I grew up in Wisconsin, where the buzz of back-to-school energy co-mingled with dazzling red and golden leaves fluttering to the ground. Those leaves made a lovely swishing sound as you passed through small swirls of their gathering masses or a satisfying crunch if you stepped briskly atop them. It was all part of an overall excitement of the senses that included brilliant, blue-skied afternoons; a chilly tang in the air; the comforting warmth of wool sweaters, and the sweet-tart taste of cold apple cider.

Although I didn’t think about it consciously at the time, going back to school inspired me with the thrill of new possibilities. It was at once reassuring, like a well-loved ritual or dog-eared book, and yet somehow it would also be different this year, this new cycle of knowledge. The energy instilled in me a feeling of eager enthusiasm. What kinds of mysteries would we be unraveling this year? From learning cursive to discovering what killed off the dinosaurs, a new grade in school meant going deeper, exploring further than ever before – uncovering the secrets of science, the joy of a new art technique, and somehow along the way nurturing a growing sense of self.

I now think of autumn as a wise and gentle woman. She is not too old to have forgotten the exhilaration of endless sunlight and joyful activity shared with all of our summer visitors, but not too young to have tasted – and savored – the peace and restful quiet of winter slumber that is headed our way. Autumn is also a bit of a shape shifter, teasing us with her wild winds of inspiration, guiding us with a thoughtful, heartening hand.

If you have children, you may be feeling the old excitement stirring, surprised by a nostalgic whiff of crayons or magic markers that conjures up your not too distant past. Or, perhaps you are swept up by the winds of change that Autumn swirls around our feet, excited by undreamed of potentials, swayed by the desire to discover more about the person you always wanted to know, and be.

In some ways, we are always going back to school. Guided by the reassurance of our past, moved by the undreamed possibilities of the future, we embrace the present and – hopefully – are able to nurture our own still-growing sense of self. Right here, right now, let us welcome Autumn and the bounty of gifts she brings our way.