September arrives, the first faded pages of autumn fluttering open with the faintest breeze. There is an ineffable change in the light, in the way amber leaves turn to gold in the setting sun, in the waning warmth of summer. It’s the start of a new month and the turn of a season. Pull out your journal, grab yourself a pumpkin spice latte, and get ready to plan with me for September.
Journal
When it comes to the layout of my journal, my monthly journal spreads are pretty consistent. First, I created a vision board by printing out pictures that embody the mood of the month. For September, that means photos of nature, bonfires, changing autumn colors, crisp apples, books to read, hot cups of tea, and the like. On the opposite page, I copied out the monthly spread, sketch a few fall leaves, and wrote out a quote.
Then, flipping open to the following pages, I leave space for a playlist, a reading list, and a memory reel of moments I want to remember. At the end of September, I’ll come back and fill in the blanks.
Planner
It’s been a restful and creative summer, but going into autumn, I’m quite ready for more structure and organization. Last week, I shared the ways I’m organizing my schedule for the next few months.
Post-college, my planning system is pretty simple: I use a spiral-bound planner and a month-at-a-glance whiteboard. My planner is where I keep track of projects: blog posts, video projects, my writing schedule. On the whiteboard (which isn’t pictured here), I jot down any upcoming plans with friends or family.
A Few Favorite Autumn Things:
Autumn is the season of comfort. Whether it’s creating a cozy hobbit hole of your own to come home to at the end of the day, or picking up a beloved series to reread, early September is a perfect time for rediscovering the things you love. Here’s a few things I’m looking forward to:
- bonfire nights with crackling wood fires beneath starry skies
- the way the light changes
- cool mornings followed by warm afternoons
- crisp apples from a local orchard (also apple cider)
- going to the pumpkin patch
- bundling up with knitted sweaters, cozy cardigans, sturdy boots, and warm coats.
- cooking more hearty meals, like soups and warm bread
- morning fog and dewdrops on the branches
- harvest season: corn, pumpkins, persimmons, potatoes, popcorn, etc.
- the sound of rain pattering outside all day; raindrops on the window
- cozying up with a new book and a hot cup of tea
- pumpkin spice lattes
- hiking out in the earthy wilderness of the woods and mountains
- taking more pictures and videos of my adventures
- steaming cups of hot chocolate with little marshmallows
- twinkly lights
- autumn-scented candles
- subdued color palettes with bold oranges and crimson.
- evening walks through the woods under cloudy skies
- coming home to a crackling fire in the hearth
What are you most excited for in September? Share something you’re looking forward to down in the comments!
<3 Olivia Grace
