Why not…. transition into fall in a French inspired way!
La rentrée literally translates to “at the return” and it refers to the transitional time of summer to fall. Most cultures celebrate this transitional time as it’s usually when kids go back to school, but in France, it’s not just something school age kids or parents feel. It’s all around in the air, that magical sense of new beginnings and fresh starts. All around you’ll hear references of “C’est la rentrée!” and “Vive la rentrée!”
The transition back to fall isn’t as pronounced in The States, because there isn’t a big distinction between fall and summer work loads. Most of us don’t have a reduced work load in the summer. In France, most people take a true summer break. People are off of work for the majority of August, sinking into a time of true vacation and relaxation. La rentrée is used as a way to say, “I’ll get to that in the fall” or “let’s meet in the fall”.
When the time does come “to return”, it isn’t treated with dread. People are rejuvenated and re energized, ready to get back to a normal routine after a blissful time of true enjoyment. That return is treated with intention. Rather than rushing back into work, people ease back into work. The re entry is treated with as much celebration as the start of summer.
With that in mind, here are a few ideas to embrace your own entry into fall in a French inspired way.
La Rentrée – Transition Into Fall The French Way
1. Ask yourself two questions to take a piece of summer with you
It seems summer is a time where many of seem to find the time to engage in things we love. We dedicate more time to the pursuit of joy, hobbies, fun, and health.
Ask yourself these questions: “what made my life more enjoyable this summer?” and “what made that possible?” Once you’re clear on the specifics, figure out if there’s a way you can incorporate that into your life moving forward.
For example, here’s my version:
What made my life more enjoyable this summer? Long walks on the beach and swimming
What made that possible? It was too hot to do any other form of exercise outdoors, so I woke up very early most days to go for a walk by the ocean
How can I incorporate that into my life moving forward? I can continue to wake up early to walk by the beach. I can swim in an indoor pool, but that’s not as enjoyable to me, so I’ll leave that as a special something for summer
You may find that not everything you love about summer can be taken with you to the next season, but that’s okay. There are some aspects that are made extra special by being seasonal.
2. Ease in
Have you ever went on a wonderful vacation, come back feeling rejuvenated, and then lost that feeling hours after being back home? Or maybe you’ve had the experience of struggling to get back into a routine after being off one for so long. Prevent yourself from losing the glow of summer and make the transition seamless by easing back into a more rigorous schedule, rather than jumping right in.
Here are a few ideas:
- Schedule a lighter work day on your return day
- Get off a little early and do something relaxing
- Tackle the items on your to do list that are easier or more enjoyable to you first (normally I would recommend the opposite for productivity purposes, but this is about easing back in)
- Try time blocking – it’s a great productivity tool and also helps you build momentum
- Go “back to school shopping” even if you’re not in school. New supplies provide magical motivation! It’s as easy and simple as a new pen in a fun color or a pretty notepad {I love these whimsical notebooks, this motivational to do list, and this pretty pen}
3. Mark it with a fresh start
F. Scott Fitzgerald, another Francophile, once said, “life starts all over again when it gets crisp in the fall”. Why not embrace that feeling of life beginning anew by marking the season with a fresh start.
Ideas for a fresh start:
- Create a fall goal – what’s something you want to accomplish this season?
- Establish a positive new habit – may I suggest a gratitude journal or The Five Minute Journal?
- Read an inspirational book {Like this one on habits, this one on happiness, or this one on the power of writing to transform your life}
- Clean out or organize your physical space
- Purchase an item to round out your fall wardrobe {Recommended reading: Capsule Wardrobe for Men or Fall Wardrobe Essentials}
4. Start with intention
Take some time to reflect on what you’d like your fall season to bring. Is there a specific word you’ll associate with this time period? A certain goal or affirmation? Take some time to ponder this and go into the season with a clear intention. By going into the season with mindfulness, you’re sure to get the most out of it.
Try one of these journal prompts:
- What am I craving this season?
- What do I wish to receive this season?
- What does the feeling of cozy mean to me? How can I create that any time and any where?
- What type of change do I wish to seek this season?
5. Bring joy and excitement
I love holidays and celebrations because they are wonderful markers of time. Without them, time just blends together. Celebrating each season is a great way to slow down and make each part of the year special. I love celebrating seasons and doing things that are special for that season. It keeps me feeling fresh and excited year around.
Ideas to mark the start of fall with joy and excitement:
- Host an autumn harvest or fall equinox party
- Mark your calendar with the release date of hot fall books {I’m looking forward to this, this, and this}
- Go on an epic fall trip {Here are some favorite fall destinations}
- Decorate your house {Here’s how to do it on a budget}
- Plan an epic fall date {See ideas here}
6. Create a fall bucket list
I love creating bucket lists for each season and fall is one of my favorites to create a bucket list for! This way you can ensure you’ll make the most out of the season and you’ll never be at a loss for ideas when you have free time.
Ideas for your fall bucket list:
- Go apple picking
- Jump in a pile of leaves
- Try a new soup recipe each week
- Collect leaves and make something with them {cards, bookmarks, artwork…}
- Watch Hocus Pocus
- Visit the farmers market and experiment with fall produce
7. Don’t forget about spontaneity
One of my favorite things about summer is the feeling of spontaneity. There’s a vibe in the air like anything can happen. Fall has a cozier, more settled and grounded type of vibe. While that’s magical in its own way, don’t forget to keep a sense of that spontaneous spark alive going into the fall season. Anything can happen when you approach each day with a sense of possibility.
Wishing you a wonderful Rentrée!
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