Hill+Knowlton Strategies

So, the title of Tony Blair’s autobiography has had a last-minute change from ‘The Journey’ to ‘A Journey.’ Cue debate about ego and a Messiah complex. (Personally I think there should be some debate about the photo as well but I’m sure that will come.)

Ol' blue eyes

 I’m happy there’s a national debate about the definite and indefinite article. I think the downward spiral of correct grammar is a sad reflection of today’s society. It might just have been a copyright thing… The Journey is actually a healing process that tries to free emotional and physical issues – and while I’m sure Blair’s time in No 10 had its moments, that description might be an over-stretch. Meanwhile, Journey is of course a Californian band with the top-selling catalog track in iTunes history, Don’t Stop Believin. All-time classic and another contender for that autobiography title.

Have you been thinking about buying a new pencil case lately? Or imagined tying a really fat knot in your tie? Well you’re not alone.

Today is the start of the new school term for most of the country and even if you don’t have kids the seasonal change will have a discernible effect. (I can’t be the only one.)

Just as, every Sunday, millions of people experience that ‘have I done my homework’ feeling, so the start of the autumn term prompts a mental gear change. Summer’s over (even if we hope it isn’t just yet); fun and frolics are past and the rest of the year is about serious work.

No wonder so much of art and literature depicts autumn as a melancholy season. It’s inevitable, inexorable roll towards winter makes us all feel a little low sometimes. Though perhaps not quite so low as Christmas shops opening in August!

And yet I don’t see autumn as melancholy at all (well, only if I am feeling a bit romantic or self-indulgent). That back to school feeling is actually a good thing. It makes you want to focus.

It’s an attitude seemingly at odds with the season itself which is about things coming to fruition. For me, and I suspect many others, autumn is also a time for new challenges; an upsurge in energy and ideas.

It’s a different energy to the start of the calendar year. Not quite so dynamic because we know we’ll feel like hibernating, come November. But it’s a vital energy for all of us, on a personal and professional level.