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Up here in the Northern Hemisphere, September 22nd was the Fall equinox. That marks the time of the year when day and night are exactly the same lengths. Going forward from the Fall equinox, days will continue to get shorter, and nights longer, until the Winter solstice toward the end of December.

(For our friends in the Southern Hemisphere, of course, everything is reversed. The science might shift a little, but the point of this post holds true.)

I’ve always felt like this time of year was the last pause before the hectic holiday season. Kids are back to school and falling into their routines, and the radio stations aren’t playing Christmas music yet. The space between Labor Day, here in the States, and November 1st is one last chance to find peace before the calendar unleashes its torrent of responsibilities, parties, gift wrapping, baking, and (at least here in Michigan where TLCHQ is located) bad weather.

It would be easy to let this time slip away in anticipation of the excitement and stress of the end of the year, which is why I’m suggesting we all agree to let October be a month of renewal. Not only will it prepare us for the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, but it takes advantage of the built-in pause the calendar presents.

But what should that renewal look like?

I have a few suggestions.

Make an October Resolution

You might be in a position where you’ve already started thinking about your New Year’s Resolution because you know it’s time for healthier choices.

Why wait a few months for the calendar to turn?

If it’s a good choice on January 1st, it’s almost certainly a good choice now. Make a resolution today for a healthier choice. Think of it as your October Resolution.

Start Early

I love the excitement that comes with the end of the year but not the challenges of needing to be everywhere at once. Chances are you feel the same. That means it’s a good idea to give yourself permission to get started early.

If you need to do some shopping, do it. If you insist on shopping on Black Friday, plan ahead now. Even better, don’t succumb to the urge to join everyone else in the pile the morning after Thanksgiving. Decide to give gifts that are more personal.

Also, be aware of all the possible deals, and be critical of deals that might not be such a good deal, after all.

Welcome Opportunity

Many charitable organizations report an abundance of donations and volunteers during the holiday months, but need knows no schedule, and these organizations need help year-round. While volunteers stand in line for a chance to have their picture taken while serving Thanksgiving at a soup kitchen, volunteers are less likely to make themselves available at other times.

This October, find a new way to be of service. Nothing renews the heart more than sharing it. Explore how your time, talents, and treasure can be put to use before the influx of holiday volunteers.

Few things are as lovely as an Autumn in Michigan. I hope the colors of the changing leaves spark something in you that pushes you to turn October into a month of renewal. The best time to start an important change was a long-time ago. The second-best time is now.

–Jack