‘My July’ – savouring the moment with Roscrea columnist Emma Coonan
‘Unexpected memories of past seasons can bring us unexpected joy’
As July draws to a close, we have continued to enjoy a memorably warm and sunny summer. Although the warm weather can bring its own challenges, there is something nice about a seasonal summer, especially when it is not always promised to us.
As I was walking home the other evening, my shuffle brought me to an oldie but a goodie which I hadn’t heard in a while - 'July' by the singer Mundy. I found myself smiling as I listened to the summer references to freshly cut grass and blue skies, which for once matched my surroundings.
As I hummed along to ‘oh my my my my my, July,’ I found myself reflecting on what ‘my’ July has held for me this year.
Magic Moments
When I was a teenager (some time ago!) I went to a Mundy concert in a small venue close to home. I often think back on it as one of my favourite gigs, largely because of its relaxed, casual atmosphere.
The best part of the gig for me was when singer songwriter Paddy Casey, who was there as an audience member enjoying the music, was invited up on stage to play alongside Mundy, and we got to enjoy a spontaneous addition to the night, hearing two popular singers jam together. I don’t remember what songs they sang, but I remember the feeling that I was witnessing something special and genuine.
When I recall this experience, it reminds me that often the most memorable moments come when things go off script. It can be hard to make room for the unplanned when our days and weeks are generally well planned out.
Busy work, school, and life diaries don’t leave much room for the unpredictable and usually keep us looking ahead, rarely stopping long enough to see the moments happening right now.
As I often say in these articles, but always worth I think returning to, the road to wellbeing is so often carved out with simple moments, noticed only when we stand still long enough to notice them.
It sometimes takes a memory from an event enjoyed in the past to remind us that the magic moments we are creating now will too be remembered fondly some day.
‘My’ July
As I reflected on how ‘my’ July has been for me, I realised how quickly it has come and gone this year. We are still navigating unexpected renovations, and with that all the issues and stressors that come with it. When I think back on this July, it seems to be papered with millions of phone calls and emails, lots of problem solving, and a ticking clock to get to the end.
As this realisation hit me during the week, I said to my husband “our summer will be over and we won’t even have had one.” I even heard myself going one step further, saying “sure August is technically autumn, so we’ve missed the summer - it’s over!”
This damning assessment of ‘our’ July did nothing to help my sense of wellbeing. I realised as soon as I said it that I was allowing stress and anxiety to take over, and cast a shadow over the whole month.
It is easy for any of us to slip into this type of ‘write off’ thinking, especially when things are full on and overwhelming. Catching ourselves in this act can be the antidote to writing off a whole month, or even year.
No matter how dark things may seem, there is usually a moment or two buried in there that was enjoyable, or even joyful. Taking a moment to appreciate that can do wonders for our wellbeing.
Simple Moments
Even though our months can often be shadowed with unenjoyable and stressful events, it is still important to find these small moments of joy where we can, so that we don’t give ‘our’ month away.
When challenges are big it can be hard to find these better moments. However, that is when coming back to small and simple experiences can help us to find some balance.
The concert of my youth in that small venue with no ruffles or feathers is still one of those small moments of joy for me, and I am surprised by how much joy this memory still brings me.
Other simple moments, like walking the dog in the quiet of a Sunday morning, or hearing the birds sing late into the evening, may not be the most memorable, but they can still support our well-being enough to face the challenges life throws at us.
A final thought
Unexpected memories of past seasons can bring us unexpected joy. This week, why not take a minute to also enjoy the moment right now, allowing the present to be as uplifting as the past.
Emma Coonan is an Accredited Psychotherapist with IAHIP and ICP, Lectures in Psychotherapy, and is a qualified Adult Education Trainer. After leaving Coláiste Phobal Roscrea, Emma studied English and Media in Maynooth University. Emma focuses on applying Psychotherapy practices for everyday living, through developing resilience, stress response, and mindfulness practice.