Shifting Focus: A Back-to-School Invitation to Rediscover Yourself

Ahhh, September...

There's something about this time of year that feels like "possibility" to me.

Maybe it's the fact that for nearly 20 years of my life, September brought newness with it.  New teachers, new classes, new notebooks.  Sometimes a new school.  It always felt like a clean slate to me. 

To this day, the long weekend in September makes me wistful for the start of a new academic year, and compels me to recreate that feeling of a fresh start for myself.

Perhaps this can be a time of new beginnings for you as well?

As the back-to-school season kicks off, life begins to slip back into a more structured routine. The long, unstructured days of summer are behind us, and for many, this time of year feels like a return to normalcy.

But as the kids head back to their classrooms, there's an opportunity for you as well—a chance to shift your focus and start thinking about what you need.

For months, you've likely been putting your children's needs first.

Summer is a time of constant activity—vacations, playdates, camps, and endless rounds of snacks and sunscreen. It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind, to the point where your own needs slip further and further down the priority list.

But now that the kids are back at school, there's space for you to take a breath and reassess.

Even if your kids are all grown, summer often brings a suspension of life's usual routines. We let go of structure, embrace a more relaxed pace, and sometimes find ourselves coasting. While this can be rejuvenating, it can also lead to a feeling of disconnect from our goals, habits, and, ultimately, ourselves.

September is the perfect time to hit the reset button.

It's a natural point in the year to take stock of where you are, to take a "self-inventory" and ask yourself some important questions:

• What areas of my life need a little attention?
• Where am I not showing up the way I want to?
• What is one simple step I can take to make a positive change?

The Power of a Self-Inventory

Taking a self-inventory is about more than just identifying areas of improvement—it's about giving yourself permission to focus on your own needs.

So often, we pour everything we have into caring for others, whether it's our children, our partners, or our careers, leaving little energy left for ourselves. But the truth is, we can't show up as our best selves in any area of life if we're constantly running on empty.

A self-inventory is a powerful tool because it encourages you to pause and reflect on your current state of being. It invites you to look at your life with fresh eyes and to ask yourself what you need to feel fulfilled, energized, and aligned with your values.

This isn't about making sweeping changes all at once—it's about identifying one area that needs your attention and taking a small but meaningful step towards improvement.

What Do You Need?

As you start this self-inventory, begin by asking yourself a simple yet profound question: What do I need right now? Maybe you need more rest, more time for creative pursuits, or a chance to reconnect with friends. Perhaps you're feeling stuck in a rut and need to shake things up with a new hobby or challenge. Or maybe it's time to focus on your physical health, whether that means getting back into an exercise routine or making more nutritious food choices.

Whatever it is, allow yourself to acknowledge it without judgment.

Too often, we dismiss our needs as unimportant or selfish, but the reality is that taking care of yourself is essential.

When you're well-rested, fulfilled, and living in alignment with your values, you're better equipped to take care of the people around you.

Where Are You Not Showing Up the Way You Want To?

The next step in your self-inventory is to consider where you're not showing up in your life the way you'd like to.

This isn't about self-criticism; it's about honesty and self-awareness.

Maybe you've noticed that you're more irritable with your family than you'd like to be, or that you're not as engaged in your work as you once were. Perhaps you've been avoiding difficult conversations or neglecting your own personal growth.

Identify one area where you're not showing up the way you want to, and ask yourself why. What's been holding you back? What fears or limiting beliefs are getting in the way? Once you've pinpointed the issue, think about what you can do to start shifting things in a more positive direction.

One Simple Step Towards Lasting Change

The final piece of this self-inventory is to choose one simple step you can take towards improvement.

This doesn't have to be a massive overhaul of your life—in fact, it's better if it's not. The goal is to create momentum with small, manageable changes that build on each other over time.

For example, if you feel like you're not getting enough rest, your first step might be to set a bedtime for yourself and stick to it. If you're feeling disconnected from your partner, maybe it's time to schedule a regular date night. If you're unhappy with your physical health, start by adding a 10-minute walk to your daily routine.

Whatever your area of focus, the key is to take action.

Even the smallest step can create a ripple effect that leads to bigger, more meaningful changes.

And as you start to see progress, you'll likely find that your energy and motivation increase, making it easier to continue on this path of self-care and personal growth.

A Season of Renewal

As the leaves begin to change and the air turns crisp, let September be a season of renewal for you.

Use this time to reconnect with yourself, to take stock of where you are and where you want to go.

Give yourself permission to put your own needs at the forefront, knowing that by doing so, you'll be better equipped to show up for the people and responsibilities in your life.

Remember, taking care of yourself isn't selfish—it's essential. So as the school year begins and the routine of life falls back into place, make a commitment to yourself. Take that self-inventory, identify the areas that need attention, and take that one simple step towards lasting change.

You deserve it. xo

____________________________________________________________

If you're ready to take the first step toward creating a life you love but don't know where to start, I’m here to support you every step of the way. Book Your Discovery Call here.