Hello Unpackers, and happy September.
Emily and Carrie here. We hope you had a nice summer. Thanks for supporting our newsletter-summer vacation—we’ve missed you, and we’re THRILLED to launch our new newsletter year and jump back into the Unpacking routine with you.
The start of fall feels like a good time to restart or start something new. Blame it on the change of seasons, the school-year rhythm, Starbucks’ flavored-syrup cycle or something even more cosmic—September feels like an opportunity.
Many of us aren’t tied to the school-year track anymore, but we still feel those back-to-school jitters. How can we retrofit that energy into the nooks and crannies of our lives today? We have some ideas. Consider this the New Year’s resolutions post of the fall season.
Reveling in early fall weather
Carrie: I am aiming for windows open at all possible times, time outside as much as possible (aka, can I take this work call on the front porch?), and early mornings, when you catch that slight bite in the air but it’s still of the friendly variety.
Emily: Here in DC it’s finally pleasant to be outside again.
Experimenting with new systems
Emily: This time of year makes me reconsider some of my systems, like with managing the ol’ Gmail inbox. I’ve taken a page out of my coworker’s book and switched to the “star” system instead of Inbox Zero (if anyone wants to hear more about this, lmk). And, I’m getting back into the once-a-week yoga class cycle.
Carrie: I need to hear more about this star system! And yes to yoga, plus I’m trying to stick to morning pages and I’m taking knitting 101 (stay tuned, dear readers).
Setting yearly goals and plans
Carrie: Indulging new wall calendars, fresh notebooks and pens always gets me into the spirit.
Emily: You influenced me to buy that calendar too…
Organizing and caring for things
Emily: I’ve been inspired to go through my clothes, patch up the things I like (via stain remover, bleach, a pill shaver, and my very bad tailoring skills) and donate the rest. This is a rabbit hole and happy to go down it with any Unpacker.
Carrie: Good call! I am envisioning a one-two punch with good music and treats, and speaking of which...
Embracing cozy music and media
Carrie: Music-wise, I’m bringing out my favs for fall: Carole King, Bob Dylan and I am loving this groovy new EP by Lake Street Dive. Also, I’m reading the newspaper, in print. It doesn’t feel like the headlines are shouting at me quite as much.
Emily: For some reason The Beatles’s Get Back doc feels fall-esque to me, too. It’s gotta be their leather jackets and sweaters.
What’s the season bringing to you? Or, how are you making the most out of the fall feelings?
See you next time,
Emily and Carrie