We are out of August and into the last four months of the year, 2024 is going quickly.

September always feels like a new start because it was always the start of the school year and I tend to use it as a kick off to really start to think about surviving the darkness. Sunset is before 8pm now and this morning lights were needed as I got ready for the office, it’s time for the light lamp and for thinking about how to improve my mood as autumn and winter advance.

One of the things I’ve been sorting out in my head is new ways of doing things. I know I’ve been wanging on about it for a while but perimenopause has scrambled my brain a bit. I’m struggling with getting things done. Last week, when I was off work, I managed by just accepting that it would take some time to get me to move. When I’m actually working, it’s harder. Because work has been full on this year and not likely to get any quieter if this week is anything to go by. 

Work isn’t the only thing, there’s Mum, who will get her balance and confidence back but it won’t happen overnight, so I’m looking at a day a week (or more when there are appointments) to help with her stuff and just to see her because she’s still herself and fun to be around. The added thing that I need to factor in, is that Ma can’t come to me and help on the plot so I’m handling that by myself, and I do have my own housework to handle and my need for both company AND solitude.

I’m going to handle this, much like I handle anything I’m struggling, I’m going to make lists and power through it, while also giving myself some grace and some time for me. Which means that I need to set myself some goals.

This month, I need to focus on my habits.

• Welcome back golden hour or more precisely, golden two hours. From 8pm to 9pm every night, I’m going to plan for the next day, I’m going to tidy the flat and kitchen, pack my lunch if I’m in the office the next day, pack bags and pick clothes. All the things that make the next morning work without disaster. 9pm to 10pm is wind down, bath, reading, bed.
• Office days, I like working from home but being in the office on the regular is important for my work, my attitude, my team and everything else. So two non-negotiable days, on Tuesdays and Wednesdays I will be in the office in September.
• Housework. If Saturdays are for Mum, then Fridays have to be for home. Friday morning, lunchtimes and evenings are for housework, cleaning the fridge, floors, hoovering, laundry I need to break the back of it on a Friday and set myself for success for the weekend and the week.
• The Plot. Four hours on a Sunday, it can happen first thing or in the afternoon but four hours, has to be done.
• Wake up time. I need to be out of bed at 7.30am every day (even the weekends). Days I’m in the office that’s easy, I’m out of the house by then but weekends and work from home days then it gets tricky. I need to break the habit of picking up my kindle or phone and getting kidnapped by a book. I need to get up, get dressed and then either start work or do things that need doing in the house
• Blog. Finally, this space. I have always used this space as a way to guide myself, this month I want to give myself the discipline of four posts a week. That’s most likely to be miscellany, allotment, links and either recommended or music

I’m not going to set any major health things apart from take my vitamins, get sleep and eat well.

These are my plans for September and probably October, by which time, I hope they will be habits..