September: more than just a new season?

I’ve always loved autumn. The shift in seasons brings a sense of possibility, a crispness in the air that hints at fresh starts. But somehow, every year, September still takes me by surprise.

Maybe it’s because I don’t have children myself, so I don’t experience that annual “back-to-school” scramble. But for many people I know, this time of year marks a very real transition, whether it's from new school years and fresh uniforms or to big milestones like university or first jobs. There’s a lot of forward-looking energy being directed towards their children’s future.

But what about your own?

Whether your house has gone a little quieter recently or you’ve noticed that others around you are entering new chapters, September can be a powerful time to pause and reflect on your own next steps. For some, this might stir up the “empty nest” feelings and a mix of pride, loss and freedom (maybe with a side of overwhelm or guilt with that sense of freedom?). For others, it’s a time to reassess routines, reconnect with what matters or revisit long-forgotten dreams.

And of course, many of us have taken time off over the summer and even a short break can offer a different perspective. You step away from your day-to-day, spend time in new places or with different people, and suddenly the life you’ve built gets held up to the light a little differently. It's not unusual to return from a holiday wondering if things still fit.

It might be the work you do. Or the way your time is spent. Or a sense that there's something more, but you can't quite name it.

That’s where coaching can help. You don’t need to have all the answers. You don’t even need to have the right questions yet. But if you’re ready to explore what comes next, even if you're not sure what next is, this could be the perfect time to start.

One of the tools I often use in my coaching is the Japanese concept of Ikigai, your "reason for being." It sits at the intersection of what you love, what you’re good at, what the world needs and what you can be paid for. For some clients, exploring their Ikigai early in the coaching journey helps uncover fresh clarity and direction. For others, it’s something we build towards as confidence grows and new possibilities emerge.

If you're feeling like something has shifted, or that something needs to shift, this season of transition might be just the time to start exploring your own version of purpose and possibility.

If you're interested in finding out more, why not book a free discovery call?