Even though we celebrate New Year’s in January, September feels like the time for a new beginning , too. And even though we don’t make Labor Day resolutions, it seems this is the time when we give ourselves, at the very least, a push in a new direction, if not a kick in the pants, to make the most of a new season.
So at ThirdAge we decided to share some of the (very different) things we're going to do, starting tomorrow.
Editor-in-Chief Myrna Blyth:
This September, I am going to do what I always say I am going to do when I want to change my ways and improve my life.
Since the swimming season is over, I will search for an exercise class I really like and will faithfully attend. I have been searching for that for quite a while. I heard about a Tai Chi class that sounds interesting. Maybe I’ll try that. And, hey, what about Zumba?
I will also take a course and learn something new. So, yes, I have enrolled in a social networking boot camp. Everyone, beware! I may start tweeting.
And I have agreed to mentor a college journalism student--if the organization I signed up with ever gets back to me. Volunteering, I have learned from experience, is sometimes harder than working.
Finally, I will enjoy the new season. That means long walks, a new sweater, cooking stews, buying Christmas presents for the grandkids--and being rather pleased and grateful that I will be seeing a really new year at the end of December.
Senior Editor Sondra Forsyth:
For me, fall is a season of promise and purpose. When the first brisk weather arrives here in New York City, I feel a surge of excitement. School is starting, and that means that my arts-in-education company, Ballet Ambassadors, will be back in action. Also, the holidays will be here soon. So here’s what I’m going to do:
1. Go up to my storage unit in the Bronx and organize "Nutcracker" costumes.
2. Get out my seasonal costume jewelry – crystal jack-o-lantern earrings, cornucopia earrings for Thanksgiving, and lots of Christmas bling.
3. Book my flight for my annual Christmas trip to Phoenix to visit my daughter, son-in-law, and grandsons – and start buying presents!
Senior Editor Jane Farrell
I have many, many plans for fall, including:
Getting out of my house: This is an annual Arizona tradition as we all emerge blinking from our summer caves, reveling in the 90-degree temps (as opposed to 115). I may even walk around the block.
Having a giant garage sale: Cash from trash! Hey, my old CDs are worth at least $3 each, right?
Preparing for Halloween: It's never too early to start buying candy corn in Walgreen's. For the kids, of course.
Visiting my family on the East Coast. My relatives will once again gamely try to understand why I’ve chosen to live in the land of Biblical dust storms, portable generators and elk jerky. I will once again wonder how they can live in apartments the approximate size of my walk-in closet.
Forum Director Judy Kirkwood
September is the perfect time for new beginnings, because with Labor Day comes my birthday, always a time to look ahead. This year I plan to take my first conversational Spanish class and to pursue opportunities for workshops in social media. I also want a new routine to start the day. Instead of browsing news sites and feeling bombarded by bad behavior around the globe, I’m going to head for a cushion, light a candle and meditate. Really. Most of all, I’m going to enjoy the freedom of being in my 60s, doing work I love and living near the beach. Family and friends, come on down to South Florida: Hurricane season ends November 30.
