Back to School 2024 and New Beginnings for All

Many kids are headed back to school this week and there is excitement in the air. Parents are feeling a variety of emotions ranging from anxiety, watching their little preschooler shed a tear as they walk into class, to sadness knowing it’s their last kid at home, their senior year. We can all remember the range of emotions as we say hello to a new school year. But, the school year is also an exhilarating time for many adults as we remember the excitement, transition, and new beginnings we felt when we were younger. Why not seize the opportunity? From changing jobs, to getting married, to starting a new family, to going back to school after kids are grown, to decorating for the upcoming season, there is always something to look forward to when we have the right mindset.

I am starting my own “back to school” because I am going to teach a class at my alma mater this fall. I’m full of excitement and enthusiasm, and the fear and anxiety I felt when entering Kindergarten has been replaced with sheer joy as I plan my university class in careful detail. I have always said, “Working with university students is my passion, and I decided to make it happen.” A wonderful addition to my already busy schedule which, if not managed, could cause stress. How we handle changes, transitions, and new beginnings starts with the mind, as well as a few intentional steps to succeed.

Back to School 2024 and New Beginnings for All

Speak Words of Affirmation

Whether you are personally making a change, or giving someone else support, transformation can be stressful, and a dose of friendly encouragement goes a long way. My girlfriend texted me this morning and asked me to “think about” her daughter as she went off to school this morning, entering her senior year. I did one better. I texted her and told her, “I am so proud of you entering your senior year. You are going to rock it.” She immediately responded with a heartfelt, “Thank you. I am a little nervous, but your text made me feel better.”

It doesn’t take much to send a friendly message of encouragement. To a friend starting a new venture, “I am going to be there to cheer you on in this new season of your life.” For a friend going through a relationship change, “I know this is an emotional time. You are not alone and I will be with you through it.” Letting someone know you have their back is a comforting feeling, even when you can’t change the situation, or take the pain away.

When it comes to your own self-talk, speaking to yourself positively and giving yourself grace is much healthier than ruminating on negative emotions which you often can’t control because they are about someone else. Let it go. Don’t look back. Look ahead.

Get Organized

Part of the stress of a transition is the unknown. When you have clutter in your space or mind, you can’t navigate as productively as you would when you have order in your life. Start with your closet, an office drawer, anywhere you want to start, but just begin somewhere. You will feel a sense of accomplishment when you are moving forward. I know I will be juggling my university training schedule, my corporate schedule, and now my new class. I’m excited about the new opportunity, but I have to plan very carefully which means I must be uber-organized with my calendar so I don’t overbook. Oh, did I mention, I have two kids, with two weddings a month apart in December and January? I bought a calendar that I could WRITE in, because for me, writing everything down helps me feel in control. I still use my technology but I want to put pen to paper. I feel most in control when I write things down and can see them in my own handwriting.

Clean Out Your Closet and Drawers

Kids going back to school usually start off with a few pieces of new school clothes. When you organize your space, you will feel like you have a new wardrobe because you will know what you have, know what to donate or toss, and have a streamlined selection of clothes to reach for, rather than sorting through hangers upon hangers of clothes that no longer serve you well.

Get Your Zzz’s

You have heard this over and over but few of us really stick to it. Get enough rest! Sleep experts recommend that healthy adults get between 7 to 9 hours per night and kids, depending on their age, need 8 to 10 hours for teens and younger children need more.

• Infants (4 to 12 months old): 12-16 hours
• Toddlers (1 to 2 years old): 11-14 hours
• Children (3 to 5 years old): 10-13 hours
• Children (6-12 years): 9-12 hours
• Teenagers (13-18 years old): 8-10 hours

Take the Plunge

One of my mentors, the CEO of a children’s shelter I used to work for as a development director, once told me when I was contemplating a big change into the world of etiquette coincidentally, “Diane, when you really want something this bad, sometimes you just have to close your eyes and jump.” Of course, he didn’t mean to act foolishly, without research, training, or regard for my finances at the time, but he did give me the courage to make the next move. But, only after I devised a plan. His advice served me well. We are often frozen by the fear of failure, and we need to get that resume together, make those connections, and join the right groups, step out of our comfort zone, and go after what we really want. You may not get it, but you might get something better in the process and you definitely won’t get it if you don’t try.

For children, they may need a gentle nudge from you to meet new friends, join a group activity, or take a music lesson. It may not work, but no one really knows until they try it out.

It’s Never Too Late

You want to travel to a different country but you don’t have anyone to go with you? Join a travel group. You would love to meet a new friend, but don’t know where to start? Ask a friend to have a social gathering and invite you. Join a meet-up group. Join a gym. Sign up for a dance class. Volunteer. You won’t find your tribe by staying at home.

This new season is an exciting time. There are many more things you can look forward to, like decorating with the seasonal colors, meeting friends for a walk, or going antiquing or to the farmers market on your day off. Be still and enjoy the new beginnings that are ahead of you if you simply “close your eyes and jump.”

You may also like my Back to School Etiquette segment on Good Day Austin. 

For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas. 

See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook and find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.