Happy New Year in September: 20 Simple Resets for Moms this Fall
There is a commercial that cracks me up every time I see it. I can’t remember which store, but the mom is joyfully skipping with her shopping cart and the music in the background is “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.” Summer time is always good- the kids are home and there is less structure. Then Autumn arrives, it is also always good- the kids go back to school and there is more structure. To me, it IS a wonderful time of year! To me, it is my Happy New Year.
While many people set their New Year’s resolutions in January, I do mine in September. It has always been this way- I get super excited to find a new thing or a new way of doing a boring thing. I thought it was because of my own kids going back to school but have since learned it is maybe rooted in the rhythm of childhood. The rhythm of starting school in the fall with a new grade, new teachers, and new possibilities- everything felt fresh and exciting. This sentiment is echoed in many podcasts and articles I have been reading lately.
Either way, I’ve found that embracing new ways of living each September helps me get excited about the ordinary and even the mundane parts of life. Here are 20 ideas that have worked for me over my years as a SAHM:
Household Organization Resets
When the chaos of back to school happens and things get overwhelming, organizing the house is one area I can control. Creating new systems each fall helps me look forward to putting them into practice instead of dreading the work.
- Here is the new planner I am going to be using this year. I am excited because it is purple, and it has a theme of Litany of Humility! This fits me because I am writing my first book- A deep dive into the Litany of Humility. The one I got is on sale now since it began in July 2025, but they also have one beginning January 2026. Clicking either of these links will get you 10% off your entire purchase at Blessed is She.
(Disclaimer...By the way, there are be some Amazon affiliate links, as well as other affiliate links. As I explore opportunities to help pay for my website. I am supposed to let you know that I earn a little money if you click on my links and buy anything. I appreciate your support!)
- Buy a fresh dry erase calendar. A monthly board with a corkboard at the bottom is my current go-to, but in the past I have done weekly boards even stacking 2 on top of each other.
- Pick up some multi-colored dry-erase markers. Color-coding by kid or activity made our family schedule easier to follow. Plus, it is just more fun.
- Create a magnet system with labels for recurring activities: get a roll of Magnet stripping and a label maker and make your own!
- Develop a new chore system for the kids. Try a board like this, or create your own- something to help the kiddos stay on track, and help you delegate tasks and remember to follow up.
- Get a new paper organizer to tackle the paper clutter. I like to have a lot of slots, 1 for each family member or activity.
- A new shelf unit with baskets will help you not get so annoyed at all the bigger clutter items. I like to have one basket for each kid.
- Try a new reward system for chores or school routines. One year I got Marbles and for each chore or good deed they got a marble in their jar that they could redeem for money or prizes.
- Look for new ways to save or earn money as the year resets. Rakuten, Ibotta(My links here will earn us both money), and digital coupons from your local supermarket are all great ways to save money on things you may already be purchasing.
Spiritual Life Resets
One of my favorite September habits is to start fresh spiritually. If I ground myself in God, life goes a little smoother.
- Join a Bible study. I love Walking with Purpose. I have led local groups over the last few years, and it has been an amazing experience. Opening Your Heart is a good place to start, or go to their website to find or start a group.
- Host your own study- pick a book study and invite moms from church or school, and meet at home while kids play. Our goal would be to read the chapter in advance, but when ended up reading together and then discussing, it was just as fruitful!
- Join Momco (formerly MOPS- Mothers of Preschoolers). This was a big part of my life when my kids were little. Getting together with other Christian moms (before I was really practicing) helped me see that who I surrounded myself with greatly impacted my mental well-being, and put me on a path to know God better.
- Host a welcome-back breakfast. Invite other moms and maybe even have a short talk or reflection. If you are local (NJ), contact me if you would like to discuss having me come to your group to speak.
- Attend a retreat. Consider a morning mini-retreat or plan for a weekend retreat if you can.
- Begin a new prayer routine- maybe more time in the morning, a daily Mass, or weekly adoration built into your calendar. Get my free Simple Morning prayers pdf to get some ideas. Or check out my St. Monica Novena!
Exercise and Health Resets
September is also when I like to restart my fitness habits. It is also a great time to grab a new way of eating and meal prep! There’s something about the season that helps me recommit.
- Join an exercise program, gym or class.
- Gather other moms for a walking group- better yet- combine faith and fitness! I like to pray the rosary while walking with friends. We always end up having great conversations after.
- Run with a local group if that’s your thing. I want to want to run. I have not gotten there yet. While it is not my thing, my husband is a runner, and I know there are many groups out there that love connecting in this way.
- Decide on a way to eat healthier. Maybe it is a single food swap- forgo artificial sugars, limit ultra-processed foods, or switch to green tea. Maybe it is joining a freezer meal prep group, Dream Dinners or following a slow cooker meal planning group. Or maybe you embrace a new nutrition program like Whole-30 or Weight Watchers.
- Make a decision to get a better sleep routine.
Final Thought
Whatever you decide to do, the point is simply to pick a few things that resonate. Look around and ask yourself what you are dreading the most this fall. Pick a fresh approach that will make the everyday tasks- especially the mundane ones- more meaningful and exciting. The excitement of something new may even get you to start skipping through the stores in your life with joy!
If you want to get started on a morning prayer routine- I have the perfect book for you. And it is Free! I put together a prayer book of all of my favorite morning prayers and challenge you to spend a couple of your morning minutes each day with God. Get it here!
