As the cool air descends and the days start getting shorter, we can sense the season changing. As a kid this meant that my days of running around barefoot were being traded for new kicks, a heavy backpack and a return to more structured days.
Though I finished school years ago, this month always brings with it the expectation of the return to productivity. I feel the call to stop dreaming and one to start doing. September is a yearly reminder that it is time to get back to work.
We thought that we would return this month back to our old selves for good. That we would return to the office, a normal school day and to those activities of the "before times" that we have so dearly missed. But can we really return to who we were and what we did before the pandemic?
One challenge of this moment is that everyone has different ideas of what is ok to return to and how we should be doing it. So each return to school, office or chess club is creating clashes between people with different ideas of what is safe. Other challenges include some recent terrible returns with Delta making quite a showing, the return to power of the Taliban and the relentless return of fires and extreme weather (just to name a few).
With the world in so much upheaval, it brings me comfort to know that there are at least a few things I can count on to return to my life this month (even if they are mostly apple-cinnamon inspired).
I find my mind wandering from the pressing issues of the day to the cozy dishes I have come to rely on in autumns past. Yes, I will miss the fresh summer salads, the bbq’s and a seemingly endless supply of zucchini, but it will be nice to be able to turn on my oven without fear of overheating. Cooler temperatures bring with it the return of soups, stews and heavier treats like lasagna that just would not taste the same in the sweltering heat.
These dishes do not solve the world’s problems, of course, but enjoying them gives us a much needed break and the sustenance to return to the rest of the day with renewed energy.
So what fall foods are your looking forward to returning to this month? And how are you safely incorporating activities of old back into your life? Also, what do we not want to return to and will we have a choice?
Our next Virtual Gathering’s Theme is: Return
When: Wednesday, September 22nd, 8:00PM ET / 5:00PM PT
How: Sign up here. Zoom details will be sent on day of the event.
What: Please join our call with a favorite food or beverage that connects to the theme (and if you don't have time to cook just come with a story!)
Cost: $15 to secure your spot (Venmo @Ellen-Cosgrove)
Lastly, whether you have returned to in-person work, you are working hybrid or perhaps you are back to being fully remote again - work is pretty weird these days. It is hard to stay motivated and keep up morale amongst a team of people who are just as frustrated as you are. Consider doing something special for your team and hosting a Lunch Pod.
Please get in touch if you are interested in learning more.