“Perhaps nature is our best assurance of immortality.” —Eleanor Roosevelt

September puts forth towering sunflowers and acres of asters in lavender, purple, and white. The full power and glory of the earth comes to fruition as trees bow with fruits and nuts pregnant with new life. The tasty wrappings encourage the spread of seeds. Confident of spring, plants commit to the future.

Animals, too, take the ever-shorter days as a signal to action. They mate, migrate, and feast to fatten up for the coming hard times. Sometimes we feel a similar rush to action. The beginning of fall, with the new school year, frequently feels like the time to reflect, reconnect, and make resolutions. We feel an urge to start fresh and get our lives in order.

Today, make a list of all the things you’ve always wanted to do. Maybe you’ve always wanted to study Chinese or make preparations for a trip to Patagonia or take a class in Greek cooking or join a group practicing Christian centering prayer. Write out your list quickly, freely, and without editing. Then slowly go through the items to find the one activity that speaks closest to your heart. Now, take the family calendar and block out time to do it. This may be as little as fifteen minutes first thing in the morning or two hours once a week. Somewhere in between the kids’ soccer practice and ballet lessons, your date night with your husband, your office staff meeting, you can find time for yourself.