My favorite season is here again! The crisp air and colors of autumn call me out to long walks and small adventures. I am permanently rooted in an inner academic calendar, so fall, rather than spring, is my time for new beginnings. (Spring, for me, brings peace and relaxation rather that energy and drive.)

September was a month of decluttering, cleaning, and exploration. I began making soup and fruit compote as an antidote to too many rainy days. I discovered a place in Chinatown that specializes in soft-shelled crabs and worked off lunch by walking through the Feast of San Gennaro, buying only one mini cannolo, to Porto Rico in the West Village to buy coffee. I discovered free concerts in Marine Park. I caught up with old friends and went to Kingston for the weekend to see my favorite jeweler’s art exhibit – I’d never seen Harriet’s magnificent paintings and sculptures.

October brings a new challenge. I’ve cleaned my home; now it’s time to clean out the cobwebs in my brain after a summer away from any serious creative work. Maybe some of you have experienced this desire to reframe, banish unproductive thoughts and feel as vibrant as the autumn colors. Here are some ideas for the October sweep-out:

The first few are things we know so well that we could recite them in unison. As well as I know them, I have been known to ignore them. Move! A quick walk outside raises alertness, provides natural light and provides an opportunity to think. Eat well and hydrate. Walk away from the screen – especially scrolling on your phone. I turn off as many notifications as possible and set my phone to silent mode an hour before bedtime.

Beyond the basics I found some deeper dives and twists on ideas that I remembered. Journaling was familiar. I often recommend a sort of combination and to do list notebook. At the end of the day, jot down your most important/exciting accomplishment. This might also be something you’re grateful for. Also write down something that’s puzzling or troubling you. In the morning, go back to your notebook. Write down any solutions or actions that came to you while you were sleeping. (The brain has this wonderful habit of working on solutions while we’re sleeping.) Any suggested actions become your to do list. Finally, revisit your accomplishment or gratitudes. Smile.

This was a new idea for me – do a brain dump! Write down absolutely everything that’s on your mind – worries, tasks, ideas, plans, fears, sorrows. It will probably take a long time, but it’s easiest to deal with what you can actually see. Sort into whatever categories work for you. I would use only one side of sheets of paper and cut the entries into individual strips to make this step easier.

I’m going to end up with a “you must be kidding” pile for all the things that I know aren’t true and need to be discarded. However your sort works out, you can pick one – ONLY one – to start working on. When you’ve finished, get rid of the strip. I also think it’s fine to change your mind and put one thing back and choose another.

Happy October! May the only cobwebs you see be Halloween decorations!