A "New Year" is beginning

August 31st, already.  Wow.  

At this time of year, I often feel a sentiment that many of my fellow Canadians feel: a sense wanting to hold on to something that is leaving us.  We find ourselves saying, "What?  The summer is over already?  How did that happen so fast?!"

It is easy to understand, given how short our summers actually are.  Although the parts of Canada where most of us live generally receive good weather from April/May until October, I think most of us relate to the real heart of summer as being July and August.  So, it is understandable that we would experience it as short.  The key is to ENJOY THE JOURNEY, and, to enjoy each part of the year for its unique gifts.  

Officially summer doesn't end until September 21st, when we reach the Autumn Equinox, but I think most of us relate to the end of summer as being the Labour Day weekend.

For me, the Tuesday after Labour Day has always felt like a form "New Year's Day".  Most educational institutions at every level start up again, most people are finished their main vacation of the year (and traffic patterns reflect this), and people resume their various activities with a renewed sense of vigour and urgency.  People flock back to work, clubs start meeting again, and so on.  It's as if someone flips a switch from "off" to "on" and we all jump to a start from our slower summer mode, or like someone suddenly shook us and said, "Hey, you've got to pick up the pace here.  Get going!"  From this point, most of us sprint to the year-end holidays (and often right through them, too).  Even Thanksgiving is a busy time for most of us.

So, dear readers, take a deep breath.  Savour this transitional time of year; the cooler mornings and evenings, the cooler afternoon breezes, the new and fresher smell in the air.  And, spend some time considering what you appreciated about the summer, and what you are looking forward to in the "New Year" that starts on Tuesday morning.  Finally, see if you can find a way to put some spaces and pauses into the autumn season, so you can enjoy that journey too.  

Here's to changing gears – with all of its joys and sorrows.