The keys to a great “rentrée”
A Seasonal Shift with Cultural Meaning
In France, the time following summer vacation is known as la rentrée—literally, “the return.” It marks the transition from the slower rhythms of August back into work, school, and daily routines. In the U.S., this shift is loosely mirrored by Labor Day: a long weekend filled with barbecues, beach days, and the bittersweet sense that summer is coming to a close.
And then, just like that, we begin again. Students return to school with a mix of anticipation and dread. Parents resume familiar schedules and childcare routines. For others, the change may be less defined—but still, there’s something in the air. A new rhythm takes shape, and the energy of the season subtly transforms around us.
More Than a Return—A Beginning
I like to think of la rentrée not just as a return, but as an invitation to begin anew. Much like January 1st and the fresh start of a new year, this season offers an opportunity for renewal—but with a different kind of energy. Instead of emerging from the cold and dark of winter, we step into the crisp air of autumn, with its vibrant leaves and cooler mornings.
There’s something quietly motivating about this time of year. It can inspire us to revisit existing habits, initiate new routines, and step into projects we’ve been considering but haven't yet pursued.
A Time to Reflect and Refocus
With this sense of a fresh chapter, it can be helpful to ask ourselves a few meaningful questions:
Where am I headed this season?
What have I learned or accomplished in recent months that I want to build on?
Are there things I’m ready to let go of or shift away from?
This doesn’t have to be a time for resolutions or strict goals—although it can be. Rather, it’s about cultivating awareness: noticing what’s important to us, and aligning our time and energy accordingly. It’s a moment to pause and ask: What truly matters right now?
What Will Your Rentrée Look Like?
Perhaps you have a clear vision for this next stretch of the year—or maybe it’s still unfolding. Either way, I invite you to greet this season with curiosity and intention. Let it be a space for planting seeds, exploring possibilities, and gently adjusting your course if needed.
What do you hope to cultivate during this rentrée? What might you leave behind? Take a few quiet moments to reflect—and keep an open heart for what may emerge.