Sep 04 2009
A FRESH START FOR FALL
This is written by my good friend Cheryl Lyon, Cheryl is a certified professional life coach, meditation leader, and author of the “At Home Retreat Kit.” Visit Cheryl at http://www.wingedlifecoaching.com and http://athomeretreatkit.com.
This time of year, I’m always a bit jealous of the school kids.
Not only have they had the luxury of a summer off, they now have
the opportunity for a “fresh start” - an opportunity to leave the
mistakes of last year behind and excel in a new way. New teachers,
new subjects, a new chance to reinvent themselves - to be someone
different than they were last year.
Maybe to be a better athlete or a better student, maybe just to get
along with people better. New pencils and fresh pads of paper and
new school clothes symbolize and emphasize the sense of a new
beginning, a fresh start.
I’ve been in the same job for 20 years now, and while my job
responsiblities have grown with my knowledge and experience, and
while I (mostly) enjoy my work, I do miss that opportunity for a
fresh start. So I’ve been thinking of ways that I CAN give myself
a fresh start.
Here are my “top 10″ ideas - I’d love to hear yours.
#10 - Clean out my “backpack.” Clear off my desk and start over -
throw out anything I no longer need and file the rest. This
may take a few hours, but if I work at it 15 minutes a day or so,
I’ll have it done in a week or two.
#9 - Learn something new - something not directly related to what I
NEED to know. Learn just for the fun of it.
#8 - Take an art class - maybe start playing the piano again, or
start a new quilting project - or both. Maybe take an actual class,
maybe just set aside some time to work on my own.
#7 - Don’t skip gym - incorporate more physical activity into my
day to keep my body fit and support my mind and spirit.
#6 - Take breaks. Kids get breaks between classes to clear their
heads before they move on to the next thing. I am both more
efficient and more effective if I do the same. Just a few moments
can make a big difference.
#5 - Plan on a semester basis. Look at my schedule and obligations
for the rest of the year and see what I need to start working on
now so I don’t need to cram at the end of the term.
#4 - Take recess every day. Get outside if possible, even if it’s
only for a 5 minute walk around the block.
#3 - Have a healthy “school lunch.” Whether I “bring” or “buy,”
make an effort to include a balance of protein, carbs, and fruits
and vegetables. And a glass of skim milk wouldn’t hurt either!
#2 - Relax and regroup “after school.” Take 10 minutes to relax
before racing off into my evening obligations.
And (drum roll, please), the #1 way I can live like a school kid -
PLAY. Keep my sense of humor and enjoy the fun (and funny) little
moments that come my way. Take life seriously, but live it lightly.
Remember that God will take care of things - if I let Him.





