July, you’ve always been my favorite!!!
Most people dread the 100º July heat that circulates southern Florida – the beach traffic that you hit driving south toward Narragansett, the final (full) month of summer before school is back in session – but wherever I am, I’ve always seemed to love this month. In my opinion, July trumps the other 11 months for a few reasons:
Cherry season
My sister’s birthday
4th of July
Women’s World Cup begins (this year specifically)
Prime UV
Baby sea turtles are leaving their nests (a florida classic)
Reunion with my best friend (new one since moving to FL)
Absolute PEAK of summer
A little over halfway through the year (meaning we can evaluate where we are and where we’d like to be)
I’m sure there’s more to this list that is escaping my mind, but the bottom line is that July brings me so much fulfillment and joy. Sure the fresh fruit, family dinners cooked in our kitchen, celebrations, and reunions play a major role in my preferences, but I think the reasoning is a bit deeper. The more I’ve wondered why I adore July, the easier it was for me to recognize a pattern in my life. When I was in middle/high school, July meant preseason for soccer. The July before college was when I developed a love for cycling. The following July was when I competed in my first triathlon. This July consists of training for triathlon nationals. The common theme amongst each of these months is reevaluation and realignment. The goals changed but the grit and hunger remained the same. For me, July feels like another New Year’s resolution, because I’m able to sit down and assess where I am in relation to where I want to go.
A few days ago Marisa (my spin instructor) asked us, “if you had to title this chapter of your life, what would you call it?” – almost immediately I thought ‘comeback season.’ Coming back from what, exactly? From losing the fight for my goals. From ignoring my intuition and putting self-discipline on the sidelines. From watching characters exit my life. From withholding parts of myself for fear of being criticized.
Overall, coming back for more. Busting my ass in the gym/pool/studio and coming back the next day to do it all over again (except this time, better). Sifting through my emotions and coming back with a better sense of clarity and ease. Downplaying things I’m passionate about and coming back with confidence, intention, and unapologetic joy. Being so eager to evolve that I can focus solely on what matters and tune out the noise.
So I guess you could say that July is my comeback season – a chapter that starts with tension and ends with ease – but July is also my peak. I’m tan and have dozens of freckles scattered across my face (the more surface level side to it I know). Deeper than that, I have a better sense of self. I regained confidence that may have dwindled, because without it, goals turn to dreams – imaginary and improbable. I feel more focused, for sure, but I try not to lose my silliness. Life is meant to be enjoyed, and I don’t need to be so damn serious all the time (maybe this is just in my head, idk). It’s supposed to be fun!!! Whether it’s staying up late to watch the U.S. play Netherlands, spending a couple hours at the beach, or writing a blog while the rain creates puddles in the driveway, there is so much beauty and joy to be found in life’s simplicities. The past few weeks have been really challenging for me. My mental, physical, and emotional strength has been tested more times than I can count. There were days that I felt so exhausted it felt hard to appreciate the beauty lying in front of me. Logically, I knew things would work out for the best, and the turmoil would pass, but my heart still felt so heavy. Despite those days, July was also filled with so much love and abundance once I opened my eyes. I was able to relax at home with my family, a luxury that I won’t have while I’m at school. I spent the 4th with some of my best friends, being reminded of how good it feels to laugh and dance and sing like nobody's watching. I celebrated my sister’s birthday, and seeing her glisten and beam filled me with the utmost joy. I rode frequently at my second home, Cyclebar, and undoubtedly felt a million times more energetic, grounded, and grateful when I walked out the door. So yes, like you, I’ve cried and felt the heavy emotions, but I’ve also experienced immense appreciation for the people and things in my life. It’s not about the stress, strain, and struggle. These things will always be factors in our lives, but I’m sure if you try hard enough, you’ll realize how much there is to love. My peak, my prime, my sheer happiness and optimism for what the future holds, July will always be my favorite.
xx,
EC
