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Making Time for Self-Reflection
Goodbye September, and hello October! As it starts to sink in that we’ve already completed a month of school, I think now is the perfect time to reflect on the past month before moving full speed ahead into October.
Can you believe it’s October already? It seems like only yesterday that we started our classes, feeling excited but also unsure about what this school year would look like. I spent a bulk of last month navigating my new schedule and adjusting to the demands of remote learning. Now that we’re more than a quarter into the semester, I’ve gradually settled into a routine to keep up with the quickening pace of life.
While September passed by in the blink of an eye, October has wasted no time in announcing its arrival. Leaves are changing color from summer green to a vibrant mixture of red, orange, and yellow. The air is crisp. Students are sporting cozy sweaters and toasty jackets on campus. Cider and cinnamon sugar doughnuts are upon us. Fall is now in full swing.
The transition from September to October not only signals a turning point in seasons but also a new beginning for each and every one of us. A new month is like a fresh start. It’s the perfect time to reflect on the past month in order to make personal changes for the month ahead. What was your September like? What did you learn? What moments stood out to you? Are you happy with how it turned out?
I like to take a moment to ask myself these types of questions. They bring up good memories, embarrassing moments that I can laugh about now, and everything in between. Most importantly, they allow me to check in with myself. I’m able to think critically about what that period of my life meant to me.
If I can easily recreate a highlight reel from that month, I first ask myself: how can I do more of that? If I only remember the low points, I raise the question: What can I do differently from now on to prevent this from happening? By being in tune with myself, I can use my experiences from the previous month to shape my future plans, goals, and values.
Simply reflecting on my month has helped me focus on what brings me joy and a sense of fulfillment. I’m learning to be more honest with myself and find balance. I look forward to embracing new beginnings and the changes that follow, just like the autumn leaves do as they begin to change color.
A sea of fall leaves scattered across my yard!
Madeleine Lee
Madeleine Lee is a senior in the College of Literature, Science, and the Arts with plans to work at the intersection of health and social justice. Outside of the classroom, she conducts research at the Kellogg Eye Center and is a member of the Korean-American Scientists and Engineers Association. She is an Ann Arbor native, and in her free time, you can find her running, solving crossword puzzles, or making playlists.