Every Friday I post a “here’s the thing” blog. “Here’s the thing” is something my mum (and many other wise people) like to say when they’re about to make a good point. Hopefully these posts are also good points.
Can you feel the autumn air creeping in? Maybe you’re trying to hold on to the summer for just a little longer. Maybe you’ve been saying, ‘Eee, the nights are drawing in’ with a sharp intake of breath since 22nd July. (Hi, mum.)
Right now, we’re on the cusp. We can feel it coming, but it’s not quite here yet. The sun could still come out for an Indian summer. We still have time to enjoy the last shimmers of light on the horizon.
For me, the shift into autumn makes me want to write essays about poetry (especially the works and lives of T S Eliot and e e cummings), and read All The Books. Preferably in New England surrounded by orange trees.
In reality, I buy knitwear, stationery and thick socks. I start thinking about soups and stews and things made with carrots. I still read All The Books.
Perhaps for you there is a genuine back to school feeling – by this time next week, your child(ren) will be back to a routine, or starting a new routine, and they’ll be out from under your feet. I know for a lot of small business owners who are also parents, there’s a sigh of relief. Because while you love your children, you also crave routine and time to run your business.
Whether you have kids or not, this “new term” will be big for your business. For the majority of small businesses I work with, Christmas is the busiest time of year, and while you’ve already been planning and preparing, September is when it all starts becoming very real.
And if we were all in a room together right now, I’d ask you to raise your hand if that seems quite scary, and the vast majority of the audience would wave at me. Some would look terrified, some sheepish, and some would look a bit jaded like they’ve done it a million times (but still worry).
I know there’s still stock to order, temporary staff to recruit, product descriptions and photos to finish, lists to make, and work space to prepare.
I know cash flow is tight, and trade shows are coming up, and there’s a vague sense of dread about long days and not enough sleep.
But right now, while it’s still August and there’s still light past 6 o’clock, let’s not wish our lives away. Let’s savour these last summer moments, and look forward to the first thrills of autumn. In many ways, we still reap the harvest during these next few months. It’s just not really from the fields these days…
So here’s the thing:
There are nearly three full days before September. I promise, on Monday, you’ll be able to make all your lists and preparations and worry about Christmas and staff and stock.
Before then, let’s celebrate!
What was your favourite bit about summer 2014? Which moments do you want to remember? Write them down, look through your photographs. Put something awesome together that you’ll love to look at later.
How could you celebrate this transition and welcome in the new season? A special dinner with your friends, kids and/or other half? A last barbeque perhaps? Even if it’s just savouring a cold lemonade or summer-y drink for the next-to-last time, there’s something beautiful and meaningful in marking a shift between old and new.
Which nice things about autumn are you looking forward to? Are you planning a new stationery collection or wardrobe? I totally made a Pinterest board of lovely autumn scenes to remind myself of how beautiful the world gets in October. Find positive things to look forward to, rather than just getting stuck in the worries and panics.
This weekend is perfect for one or two little celebrations and positive thoughts before we actually reach September. Whatever you’re doing, I hope you enjoy it!
PS I’m working on a little e-course to support you through the busiest weeks of the year. I can’t WAIT to share it with you! Keep your eyes peeled in the next few weeks.
