August 31, 2025
As August slips away and September steps onto the stage, it feels like one season is handing the microphone to another. Today’s Thought of the Day and Question of the Day give us a chance to pause and think about how we move through these transitions. Is September a fresh start, or just August in a new outfit? Let’s find out.
Thought of the Day:
“August has passed, and yet summer continues by force to grow into autumn, a new character.” — Yiyun Li
I love how Yiyun Li describes September as a “new character.” It makes me picture summer handing autumn its lines backstage, whispering, “Don’t mess this up.” The truth is, September is a season of in-betweens. The air still carries heat, but the mornings hint at sweaters. The grass is still green, but the leaves are drafting their resignation letters.
September feels like a teacher clearing their throat on the first day of school, everyone knows something serious is about to begin. There’s a rhythm shift. Even if you’re long past sharpened pencils and locker combinations, the month cues you to get organized, to recommit, to turn over a page in the notebook of the year.
If August is the last scoop of ice cream before the cone disappears, September is the taste you weren’t expecting but somehow needed.
And since we’re talking about the calendar changing you might like this post about life passing you by or running you over
Question of the Day:
What is the most important thing about September?
For me, the most important thing about September is possibility. The month is balanced between what was and what could be. Maybe it’s the leftover school-year muscle memory, but I always feel like September gives us a shot at a second New Year.
Is the most important thing about September the crisp air? The return of football? The chance to order pumpkin spice everything without irony? Or is it that subtle permission to start again, to finally tackle the project you shelved in July, to pick up a hobby before winter steals your daylight?
Sometimes the most important thing isn’t what September brings, but what it takes away. The excuses. The endless “well, it’s summer, I’ll deal with it later” delays. September nudges us back to doing.
For another reflection, check out Can today’s struggles lead to joy?.
Your Turn
What’s the most important thing about September to you? Leave a comment and share your answer—I’d love to hear it. And if you enjoy these daily reflections, make sure you don’t miss one.
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