September is my birth month. I have always liked this month because of the way it ushers in change and encourages growth.
September asks that you reflect, prepare, and begin again. It’s different than January, where the slate is metaphorically wiped clean. In September, it’s important that everything you have developed so far comes with you. It becomes evidence of your resilience and what you are capable of.
Maybe it’s because of the years spent in school, where September signaled the end of Summer, school supplies, assigned seats, and homework.
Maybe it’s because my birthday is lodged in the middle of the month, and my feelings about living, aging, accomplishment, and joy saturate the whole month.
Either way, I’m always thankful to reach September. And I am especially grateful for this one.
Forms of compassion I have noticed in myself:
Noticing where Jolene likes to pee and returning there when we go for a walk.
Giving Z a pedicure after a marathon.
Clearing a dead bee from the sidewalk so it doesn’t get stepped on and accidentally sting someone.
Treating all my inanimate objects as if they have a life of their own. Treating them with care when I move them or clean them.
Refilling the water filter.
HOT – Virgo season! To-do lists. Only focusing on what you are responsible for. The pics you took with your first digital camera. Sun chips! Period stains. Ice lollies. Thinking about yourself!
NOT – Rotten cactus. Deciding when to wash your hair around working out. Peeling skin ☻. Scrunchies with poor elastic. Flys! Drugstore men’s cologne. Cute matching pajamas. The phrase “with that said.”
“Whatever it is you’re working on, whatever it is you’re dreaming about, whatever path you’re trying to carve out for yourself, whatever electricity you’re trying to generate, whatever voice you’re trying to draw out of yourself, whatever way you’re trying to connect with people, whatever you’re trying to communicate with the world, whatever fire you are trying to start this morning today this week forever and ever, you can fucking do it.” - Jami Attenberg’s newsletter, CRAFT TALK
