Since Kindergarten I have been conditioned to the idea that September 2nd is the beginning of a new year. The end of August marks the end of a year. As a kid, I recall the excitement I felt at the thought of a fresh start. I'd ponder all the possibilities of the coming year: the reconnections with old friends and the meeting of new ones. I'd proclaim the upcoming year will be better than the last. I'd promise better grades.
Back to school marks a time of excitement and anticipation. This year, it marks a sense of sadness as I prepare to deliver my baby girl (okay, she's not such a baby anymore) to her first year of college. As my friends will attest, the slightest mention of the topic has me tearing-up.
Along with the sadness of 07-08 coming to an end, I feel a sense of pride, gratitude, and hope for 08-09. Our kids will be experiencing all sorts of new endeavors: college, marriage, new careers, and hopefully some dreams come true. Me, well, I've got plans for new endeavors too.
As 08-09 kicks off, I hope you will take some time to reflect on the year that has passed. Set some goals for the new year, maybe even some resolutions. Even if you don't go to school anymore, go out and do some "back to school" shopping. Buy some new shoes, some lined paper and a box of pencils. While you are picking them out, notice the excitement you feel, the anticipation of what might fill the ruled lines. Notice the anticipation of a fresh start.
Use your new supplies to write goals and plans for the coming year. Use your supplies to reflect on the past. Write a book report, a letter, or a vocab list. Contemplate what you have learned in the last year and what you hope to learn this year. Use your new shoes to walk on a new path.
Try it!
Happy New Year!
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