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Hello Friend!
Like most moms, the beginning of the school year is a special time. The air is still warm, but the slightly cooler wind tells me that it’s time to let another summer go. Here in the Balkans the word for this season year is Ljeto, (lyieh – to – two syllables) and most say that summer is the nicest time of year. But it’s also kind of nice to have the kids back in school and under control in a more normal routine (yeah – peace and quiet!).
Here in Croatia, most schools started on the first Monday in September, and except for Dan Neovisnost on October 8 (Independence Day) it continues straight through till the Winter break, which usually lasts three weeks, depending on the school. Being from an earlier generation, I couldn’t believe my ears when I heard that most schools in America have their students return in late August! (yikes!)
For me, this is pretty much the last chance to get some things done, especially with the drop in temperture.
Autumn naturally lends itself to learning, which leads to the topic normal activity cycles within the year. Do you have a one? If you do, please share it in the comments. Personally, although I am currently geared up and ready to go, I can assure you – in January I am usually feeling really quite dead. I also go through a similar energy blast at the end of the calendar year – especially the week between Christmas and New Years, the epic post-Christmas sale week . That week still remains special as a chance to take stock and prepare for the upcoming new year.
Much to my surprise, one of my favorite money gurus of all time, How to manifest money within 24 hours — Denise Duffield-Thomas from Australia, shared her annual cycle with us on one of her recent podcasts called Winds of Change I and II. She explained that the first two months of the year leave her a bit bewildered and then later everything begins kicking in towards the summer. (Me too! so nice when great minds think alike!)
It’s been a binge of self-improvement e-courses which is totally in keeping with my cycle. Resetting money blocks rang a bell with me – “too old, too young, too inexperienced, not well connected enough” which seems to be an epidemic here – especially with summer coming to a close, which is really our most / only economically profitable time of year, especially in Dalmatia. Feel free to check her out here – she offers lots of free webinars in addition to her formal six week courses DeniseDT.
I also recommend Jennifer Rosskamp, the Intentional Mom. She’s a fit and busy (and funny!) mother of 8 who has been featured on national television for her legendary budgeting skills. She claims she can support her family on $25,000/ year which is really astounding.
Since then, I took her 21 days refocus challenge (also free of charge). Really quite generous. She also teaches other online courses – tons of bundles – fitness bundles, cleaning tips and lots of other cool stuff. I’m astounded to say she actually participates in 10k races – at the moment, I can’t seem to get enough of her peppy and and productive approach.
I also like Crystal Paine. Masquerading as the Girl Next Door she is quite down to earth, generously shares the dark side of her ex-people pleasing self and – in the past few years – a NY Times bestselling authoress, she is the proud founder of three very successful blogs. Her signature product is a course called Make over your Mornings which she says, begins with good planning the night before. I just attended one of her free forums – it was great. What I like about her is that she freely mentions other mentors that have helped her, like Marie Konto of the Konmari concept of decluttering. In short – what doesn’t give you pleasure to keep (an old sweater for example) needs to leave your house – and there are three categories to follow – in this order – clothes, books, and photographs. I have only done the clothes so far, and there is some kind of a spiritual renewal afterwards.
Are you on a learning kick – and if so, what’s on your mind – is it a foreign language – kickboxing, dance – cooking?
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And now please enjoy the Autumnal favorite – Jesen Stiže Dunjo moja – Autumn is coming, my Dunja (Doon-yuh) – this is a woman’s name as well as a fragrant autumnal fruit with a quite interesting flavor – sweet and tart at the same time, something like pineapple and resembling an apple – it is a wonderful happy version by Goran Karan – not as melancholy as some other variations of the same song. Enjoy! DUNJA MOJE
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