September 23^rd was the autumnal equinox - when the sun crossed the equator and moved from the northern hemisphere to the southern hemisphere. It's also the day when the day and night are approximately of equal length.

For those of us in the northern hemisphere, this is the official sign that Fall is here. Can you smell it in the air? See it in the changing colors of the season? Since the olden days, this marks the end of summer and becomes a time for harvest.  It's a time to gather with friends and to share our blessings, our bounties.

How do you mark this change of season? Many cultures have big feasts, burn bonfires, dance and sing. Some cultures use this time to visit the graves of their ancestors and honor their memories. There are any number of ways to mark the passing of one season into another. The point, simply stated, is to mark it!

A recent tradition in our family is to enjoy one of our favorite pastimes as a child -  root beer floats. We've even expanded it by bringing it to the workplace. Now, co-workers area treated to root beer and cola floats. (Wait until you hear what we do for the Spring Equinox!). After a couple of years of this, everyone now posts it on their calendars and they remind us that it's time for root beer floats!  Even when distance separates some of us, we still find a way to celebrate "together" through our collective memory.

Having a simple tradition such as our "root beer floats" can have far-reaching effects in connecting with others. What tradition can you start with your family and friends?

A change of season is also the perfect time to slow down, catch our breath; and to acknowledge the abundance in our lives. What are you thankful for? What are the wonderful experiences that you have had thus far? Who are the new faces in your life? What about the new relationships that you have cultivated? What about your life has surprised you?

Take a moment to reflect on your summer and to welcome in the fall. Take a moment to celebrate your life at this point in time. Just take a moment  . . . and breathe.

Have a Golden Day!

Coach Darlene