Now that it’s September and the freedom and exploration of summer have been replaced by the order and expectation of fall, it’s time to get to work.

School is in session. (And finally, it really is.)

What did you do this summer?

I have been stuck in a pattern of waiting to start all summer. I kept thinking I had a plan, a routine, and direction, but then I discovered that I didn’t. 

I’ve had three fixations this summer.

1. This blog & website

2. Teaching/not teaching

3. Mercedonius

Make that four fixations, including this quote:

Orange is the new black, breakfast is the new lunch, Monday is the new Thursday, sitting is the new smoking, self-expression is the new entertainment, and September is the other January.

Gretchen Rubin has a few variations on her idea (one which includes pork as the other white meat which I am thinking might be a misquote), but I like this one best. The idea of fall as a new start that builds off the discoveries born from liberation in the summer is an idea I’ve used in my own planning and workshops for a while. And, as someone who has spent almost her entire life on an academic schedule, September as a restart makes perfect sense to me.

So the freedom and liberation of the summer which led to fixations now moves on to lessons.

Lesson 1: Just Write Something.

I’m writing something and posting it no matter how it comes out. Catherine Johns, a friend and mentor, posted this blog today in which she discusses the power of consistent writing that “really does position you as an expert.”

Lesson 2: Be Where You Are.

• I’m teaching three classes this fall because I didn’t think they were really going to happen—I signed up for extras thinking I might get one, and I got them all.

• I’m teaching three classes this fall because I applied for a job I was sure I was going to land but didn’t.

• I’m teaching three classes this fall because someone, somewhere, decided that is what I am supposed to do.

Lesson 3: When all else fails, call Mercedonius.

Again.