Enjoy and Be Productive This Autumn

September 17, 2026

After Labor Day, merchants and advertisers are focused on Autumn images; shades of deep red, orange, yellow, and brown in clothing and accessories flood magazine illustrations; fruits of summer are less available but what squash and corn varietals can be found in the market! Pumpkin spice coffees, donuts, breads and cakes make meal and snack times focused on long-awaited change of scenery, as many people wait to turn back their clocks the day after October 31 ends! 

But so much for hayrides, cinnamon apple scent in specialty shops, pumpkin carving, costume planning and candy for trick or treating, and paying homage to dearly departed on All Souls Day. Students look at moving halfway through first semester while senior high school students explore college and career options, apply to colleges and seek scholarships and financial aid, and push to earn community service hours. That, in addition to academic, leadership, church, mosque or temple activities,  and athletic extra-curricular activities,….and that does not include working, dealing with at-home responsibilities, much less precious time spent with family and friends. Just thinking about “Tempus fugit” or “Time flies,” makes me wonder if people ever have enough time for rest and relaxation.

That’s why I recommend taking deep breaths,  making time for meditation and/or prayers, and focusing on what is most important. Fall in line with a workable regimen, prioritizing what matters and heeding deadlines. Sometimes we must accept it can’t all be completed as fast as we’d like. We must be gentle and kind to ourselves. If we try to manage time and approach one task at a time without distraction or procrastination but mindful of what must be done, we have the potential to surpass expectations! And a daily positive statement repeated over and over again can affirm our intent and our goal. 

What is your thought for today? Mine is, “I can, I will, I must,” which I heard from my grandmother in the 1980’s, though in 2017 according to AI, Eric Thomas, hip-hop preacher was credited as the quote’s creator. Don’t put all your faith in AI, but trust yourself to enjoy AND be productive this Autumn. Show your beauty in an array of “colors” and achievements. Strive always to become the best version of yourself, so you will get more out of the many blessings and holidays to follow this fall and in seasons to come!

See you next read! 📖

~Dr. Lesley Scharf

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