September is the better month for new beginnings

'Tis the season for change and growth. And how the school year has helped me develop beyond the classroom

Apologies that it’s been a hot minute since I last wrote (trying not to cringe at using the term ‘hot minute’…). I’ve had a bit of writer’s block, which feels odd to say, considering this is only my third piece, so I’m not sure I’ve 'earned' the right to say that! Overall, September has been slow, though that wasn’t the plan. After having a cold I couldn’t shake, I figured my body was in need of a break. Funny how when you don’t schedule rest, your body decides for you, yet I push my luck every time. But while I’m still job hunting, I feel this need to prove myself—that I’m definitely not just sitting here twiddling my thumbs, waiting for an opportunity to magically drop in my lap. But every time I ease off the pedal, I worry whether I deserve the opportunity to rest. Does that make sense, or is this just me overthinking? Anyway, I hope this piece resonates with you!

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September is superior to January when it comes to new beginnings. Maybe it’s because I spent 13 consecutive years in education (disclaimer: it is). From 5 to 18 years old, summer has been a time to put academic worries aside and not think about getting up early or completing homework. But I may have been in the minority of those who liked school. I loved back-to-school shopping. New shoes, new bag, new pencil case, the works. It was a chance to become “someone better” upon returning to school, the child version of getting your life together. Even now, that excitement surrounding September still lingers, though it has since moved from school supplies and uniforms to goals and planning for the future.

When I say I loved school, it’s not because I was popular—far from it. Yeah, I had a close-knit group of friends, but I wasn’t one of the 'cool kids' invited to parties over the weekend. If you’re in the UK, then you know what I mean. It wasn’t uncommon for 13-16 year-olds to underage drink at someone’s house. Monday would come back around, and the gossip was all about the party. I never wished to be a part of that; I would often sit there and roll my eyes at their stories. What I did love, though, was the idea of starting each school year fresh, with a chance to improve or reinvent myself. Back-to-school shopping became my little ritual—new shoes, new bag, new mindset—and I loved the preparation and thought that went into it. Even now, this mindset has stuck with me: always looking for ways to prepare and refine, even if just for myself.

Now, I’m facing September without an academic year in front of me; it feels strange and empty. Yeah, I took a three-year gap between leaving and returning to university, but that time felt very different. I think that being in limbo with what I wanted to do, I don’t count it so much. Though convinced I wasn’t good enough for university, subconsciously, I knew I would face it again. The absence of an academic year has given me time to reflect. Last year, I was overwhelmed with deadlines and projects. The lack of structure and direction has left me wondering what my next move will be; nothing feels calculated. Realising that I will no longer receive regular validation is slowly settling like grains of sand in a timer. 

Regardless of these current emotions, I still believe a fresh start in September does a person more good than trying to reinvent themselves in the middle of winter. It's a mindset that feels more natural and connected to the rhythm of life, at least in this hemisphere. (Not so bad for the lucky ones in the Southern Hemisphere, where January means summer. And if I’m correct in saying that the academic year in Australia starts then, too, which honestly sounds like the best of both worlds.)

As I step into this new chapter of life without the structure of an academic year to guide me, I’ve started thinking about how to carry this "back-to-school" feeling into the next phase. After all, you never really stop learning, and the habits I have built around preparing for the new term can be applied elsewhere. This mindset of starting fresh and refining myself doesn’t have to disappear with the end of my education. Instead, evolving and finding its place in my new reality—whether that’s in how I plan for my career or how I approach personal growth and new goals.

Like a shopping list for back-to-school, I regularly make lists for anything and everything—mind maps are also a favourite. Recently, I’ve been reflecting more on the values that matter to me and what I want to build my life around. I’ll admit, this one wasn’t my idea but an activity suggested by my therapist. Unlike New Year’s resolutions, I’m not treating these reflections as something that needs ticking off. I avoid setting resolutions because I have an all-or-nothing mindset, and I don’t need January to feel more miserable than it already is. So, when I need a break from mindless scrolling on social media, I revisit and edit my mind map of what matters most to me. I’ve found the Japanese concept of IKIGAI, which means ‘to live,’ especially helpful in this process. If you want to know more, I highly recommend the book IKIGAI: The Japanese Secret to a Long and Happy Life by Hector Garcia. Or, for a quicker introduction, there’s a great TED Talk by Tim Tamashiro available.

Since graduating and moving back home, I’ve also been gradually sorting through my belongings and having a major clear-out—emphasis on gradually. In the past, I’ve been guilty of pulling everything out at once, only to lose all motivation and end up with no bedroom floor in sight. So, I’ve learned to take it slow. Moving back home after living independently for two years means I’ve accumulated a lot of stuff, from furniture to kitchen equipment. Parting with my three-seater sofa was hard, but financially, storing everything wasn’t an option. If, like me, you’re sentimental, clearing out can be tough. I now apply a six-month rule: if I haven’t used it in that time frame, it goes (with some leniency for seasonal items). It’s one thing to declutter a bedroom, but adding an entire household’s worth of stuff is a different challenge. Be kind to yourself during the process!

Now is also the perfect time to go through your wardrobe—specifically your winter clothes—and decide what still suits your taste and what needs mending. I recently took two coats to the tailor, and I recommend doing that now before it gets too cold because the last thing I need to buy is another winter coat! While at it, spend some time figuring out what outfits you have. No one wants to spend more than 10 minutes deciding on an outfit while still half asleep. I’ve started making a list (I told you I like a list) of any gaps in my wardrobe since I struggle with dressing for chilly mornings that turn into mild heat waves by midday. It also helps to prevent buying similar pieces. I could go on about this, especially since I’m trying to be more sustainable with my clothing choices, but that’s a topic for another time!

Lastly, having a few staple meals in rotation has helped me feel more grounded. Not having any future plans set in stone has emphasised the importance of having a routine. Knowing I’ve got meals that I enjoy cooking and eating takes some pressure off. In my final year of university, I lost the motivation to cook because anything that took attention away from work made me feel guilty. Even now, it’s been hard to get back into cooking regularly without academic deadlines. As the end of September approaches, I’ve started leaning into one-pot or tray dishes—simple meals that fit how overwhelming life sometimes feels. With full-time work on the horizon, I’m working on these habits to avoid the shock later. For inspiration, I love following @alexskitchenstory on Instagram; she has great ideas for quick, nutritious meals.

All this to say, September isn’t about starting over; it’s about continuing the process of growth that school once instilled. Though I no longer have an academic calendar to guide me or tutors to give me the nod, I can still embrace this time of year as an opportunity to improve myself. I find comfort in knowing that while life continues to shift, the habits I’ve built stay constant—how I practice them evolves. So, while I might not be packing my school bag anymore, I’m still eager to show up with my never-ending lists, awaiting whatever the next chapter brings.

I hope to see you again ❤️