Smell of sharpened pencils.

Objects have memory. The smell of sharpened pencils (at least for Baby Boomers) triggers the image of school hallways brimming with activity, classrooms with orderly learning, and the sound of alarms marking the end or beginning of a class period. Memories ground our feet in confidence for joy in the next season. As final summer trips create fresh memories and the purchase of school supplies launches a new season, what object will mark this threshold of change for you? When you’re in the grind of late-night studying and after-school activities, feeling exhausted, pull out that object. Smell it. Remind yourself of the freshness of the launch.