It's That Time of Year

This is sponsored content from BlogHer and the makers of One A Day Multivitamins.

The heat spell in Chicago has finally broken and lately the start of each day has been cool and crisp. Most mornings I take my cup of coffee and sit out on the deck with Veronica. We point out airplanes and listen to dogs barking down the street and to ducks quacking on the river. And just this morning I got that old familiar shiver, that slight nip in the air that signifies the end of summer and the approach of fall. 

It also signifies something else: change and a time of recommitment. For me this time is at once about something new, yet also about a return to the focus of my life. It's about re-energizing my routines and making fresh commitments to what really matters to me.

I know that so much of this is ingrained in me from the years and years I spent in school. The close of summer meant a departure from endless, frivolous days and a renewed sense of excitement for the months ahead when I would once again focus on tasks and homework and friends and old, familiar schedules.

There's just always something so thrilling about this time of year though. Yes, it's a return to the regular routine, but it's a chance to start that routine anew. I can still remember so viscerally how each year as the close of August began to approach I would start thinking about how I wanted to walk into school that first day, about the things I will have changed about myself and the new ways in which I would present and apply myself. I made vows to be kinder, to be more open, to work harder and be more thoughtful.

Funny that those are all things I still find myself vowing almost two decades later.

I have a lot I want to work on this coming season. I want to be a better mom and a better wife. I want to find more time for myself so that I can be these things. I want to spend time making sure my friends know how much I love them and I want to learn new things and find the energy to truly dedicate myself to the creative projects in my life.

Although I will miss these warm summer months, I was thrilled to feel that little nip in the air today. Thrilled at the chance to reinvent, reorganize and shift my focus to what really matters.

Right now the makers of One A Day Multivitamins  has a cool feature on their website called My Tree Matters, an interactive program that helps women explore how to find balance and well-being in their lives. Finding balance and feeling grateful is challenging for even the most capable of us, so having a tool like this is helpful.

So, tell me Internet, how do you plan to get back to your routine this fall? BlogHer is offering readers a chance to win $150 dollars. Just leave a comment in the comment box below telling me what matters to you more and you'll automatically be entered to win. Also check out the other bloggers postings for 5 more chances to win $150! There is also the chance to win a $100 Visa gift card on the Exclusive Offers Page!

Here are some rules:

• No duplicate comments. (In other words: NO CHEATING)
• You may receive an additional entry by linking on Twitter and leaving a link in the comments.
• You may receive an additional entry by following me on Twitter: @clairebidwell
• You may receive an additional entry by blogging about this contest and leaving a link in the comments.
• Please keep your comments G-rated as any profanity or offensive content will automatically disqualify you from sweepstakes entry.
  
• This giveaway is open to US Residents, aged 18 and older.
• Winners will be selected via random draw, and will notified by e-mail.
• You have 48 hours to get back to me, otherwise a new winner will be selected.
• You can read the official rules here.
• Contest ends 10/21/10

 So let's do this! Let's win some free money! Tell me how do you plan to get back to your routine this fall?

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Congrats to Lewis for winning the sweeps on this one!

Comments

[asia huska]

we have "school papers", not quite school aged but it helps keep a routine even in the summer

[mia]

I use a dry erase board in the kitchen to write down a daily schedule for everyone to follow

[Kelsey]

routine charts for each person helps a lot!

[Sarah McKnight]

I would love to win the 100$ How we got back into routine was going to early about 2 weeks before school and getting up earlier and doing my errand for the day!

[Heather Chandler]

We use a magnetized chart on the fridge to keep in a routine. Simple chores and bedtime routine are posted.

[Lolli]

We have a time and a place for homework. With 5 kids in school this year (elementary, middle, and high school) we've got to keep a tight order on things or the homework doesn't get done.

For me personally, I've been walking the kids to school each day and then exercising after I drop them off. I love the routine and the energizing way that I get to start my day now.

[Stephanie S.]

We use charts and lots and lots of lists! I try to keep the kids on the same schedule each day. Sometimes it works and sometimes it doesn't!

[Melissa Z.]

Getting back into routine is made easier by adjusting in increments. If the kids have been staying up later during the summer, then the week before school starts it is best if they start by going to bed 20 minutes earlier than they have been each day until they are back on their school sleep schedule. It makes for a lot less of a fight than suddenly switching back to their "old" schedule in one day.

[Patti Persia]

We always have the middle drawer of our fridge filled with things the kids can snack on, so they know where to look and so do I.

[Bethany]

Part of getting back into the fall routine for me is taking the school calendar, church calendar and our own personal events and putting them all on one calendar in the kitchen. That's where everything goes that is happening, so there is one place to keep track of it all, and everyone knows where to look to see what we're doing.

[Mandy Kauffman]

I do all of my shopping on the weekends, and take time on the weekend to cook up/prepare food so that breakfasts and lunches are easy to grab in the mornings.

[tanyetta]

We have a magnetic chore board and a family calendar posted to keep us all on track!

[Amy Atkeson]

We get back on our "school schedule" about two weeks in advance.

[Jennifer H]

lists, and making sure everyone knows what to expect.

[Danielle]

About a week before school starts, we start an earlier bedtime and morning schedule. This is what helps our family to run smoothly, and this also makes for happier kiddos!

[Jill]

Routine is important and planning is super helpful to me - I plan out weekly meals, grocery lists, to dos, appointments, etc. on a dry erase calendar in our kitchen so I always know what's going on.

[Megan B]

Because I only work 2 days a week and my son is not yet in school, it can get confusing as to which days we can sleep in and be lazy and which days are work/school days. So I just set a bedtime, and stick. with. it. Not matter what day it is (or what excuse he comes up with!).

[Sasha Farnsworth]

Before school starts we get the girls into a good sleeping pattern that will be good for school.

[Kateryna]

I write everything on the calendar, keep a to do list and leave reminders on my phone :)

[Diane]

To-do lists. They seem endless, but it helps me keep all my thoughts in one place and I love checking off my accomplishments!

[Vickie Seiler]

We go to bed earlier and get up earlier so the kids get used to that routine.

[Lisa]

Scheduling is really important. Sticking to a bedtime routine and a day routine for that matter rather than our summer free for all schedule.

[Catherine]

We always seem to end up eating dinner late in the summer so then go to bed later. Would love to get back to eating earlier dinners so we can go to bed at a reasonable time.

[Katherine]

We keep consistent bedtimes throughout the summer so that we at least have one routine ready to go for the school year!

[Shannon]

A set bedtime is our secret. The kids also have to pick out there clothes and round up their shoes and back packs, so we aren't searching for them in the morning! A family Calendar helps us all know where we are going too!