Endings & Beginnings

Every new beginning comes from some other beginning's end. - Dan Wilson

I had a rude awakening yesterday. I walked out my front door, minding my own business, whistling a happy tune in my head, when something alarming happened. An autumn leaf drifted, slowly and quietly off of a tree and had the nerve to land on my foot. Summer IS NOT OVER YET!!!

The beginning of September holds more emotion for me than just about any other time of the year. Most likely a by-product of a lifetime in school as both a student and an educator, September represents a point in the cycle to welcome the new; new goals, new routines, even those new, uncomfortable school shoes. So, is it a preconceived notion that this signals the end of something else? I don't believe it has to be.

Summer represents freedom to many, especially children, who are basically the wisest humans on earth. Freedom from responsibilities and from bedtimes. No shoes. Postponed baths. More ice cream. And, most of all, time to play outside. This is probably the most meaningful and joyful honor of being a child. So, why do we reserve this precious freedom for only one season?

Fall is an incredible time to be outdoors, and not just for the beautiful foliage and apple picking excursions. Ask any gardener about the tasks of harvesting and preparing their plot for the winter, the fisherman about the return of bass and salmon, or the camper about the cooler nights around the fire. And, don't even get me started on fall surfing! The shorter days provide more time for stargazing and brilliant sunsets, long walks in the woods and the return of that favorite sweater.

I have kept that perfectly red leaf that invaded my late summer and placed it on my nightstand to remind me each morning of something important. Today is a beginning. It looks different than yesterday's beginning. It is just as beautiful in its own unique way and I am incredibly fortunate to have the freedom to go outside and welcome it. Lucky me!