I Remember September by Deborah Lytton

Some people mark a new year on January 1, others like to use their birthdays as a jumping off place.  For students from kindergarten to college, September is the beginning of school.  And since I am an eternal student, I still consider September the start of my year.  At the close of summer, I take time to evaluate my goals from the past year, to see what I have accomplished, and where I can use improvement.  Then I consider the goals I am setting for myself going forward.  My daughters sign up for new activities in the fall, and many times, they are moving up a level because of their achievements the past year.  In a likewise fashion, I challenge myself to step up.  I set new writing deadlines and push myself to reach deeper in my stories, to find the inner truth that longs to be revealed.  I make promises to myself about publicity and reaching out to other writers more.  And I always set up a new exercise plan, something that will inspire me and allow me to free up my imagination to create.  But mostly, I breathe in the scent of fall, with the warm memories of summer still lingering in the air and the promise of the holidays on the horizon--and it fills me with excitement and hope.  So even though I love the weather in summer, the flowers blooming in the spring and the coziness of winter, it is fall that holds my heart.  Do you have a favorite season?  When do you like to set goals for yourself?