Embracing Summer Memories… and Making New Ones

By Maureen Vernon, PhD

The CARE Practice

. http://www.thecarepractice.com/

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Embracing Summer Memories… and Making New Ones

Summer has a way of stirring up memories – some warm and joyful, others bittersweet. A familiar scent, a song on the radio, or the feeling of sun on your skin can bring you back to childhood adventures, family trips, or long-forgotten moments. These memories can be comforting—or unexpectedly emotional.

As the seasons change, so do we. And while reminiscing can be soothing, it can also bring a sense of loss: people who are no longer with us, traditions that have faded, or the passing of time itself. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Grief and joy often live side by side in the same memory.

Yet summer also invites us to live in the present. Longer days and warmer evenings give us opportunities to create new moments – ones that may become the cherished memories of tomorrow. Whether it’s a walk through your neighborhood, a weekend getaway, or simply an ice cream cone shared with a friend, meaningful moments don’t need to be extravagant. They just need to be real.

For those who struggle with anxiety, depression, or a sense of disconnection, this time of year can feel isolating rather than joyful. Social media often shows curated images of summer fun, making it easy to compare and feel like you’re missing out. But it’s important to remember that your experience is valid, and you don’t have to meet anyone else’s expectations of what “summer happiness” should look like.

Emotional health includes allowing yourself to feel what you feel, while also staying open to connection and growth. If summer brings up unresolved grief, old regrets, or current stressors, talking to a mental health professional can help you understand those feelings and work through them with compassion and perspective.

You don’t need a perfect vacation or a picture-perfect plan. Sometimes, the most healing thing you can do is be present. Take a breath. Watch the sunset. Say yes to a spontaneous moment. Start a new tradition, no matter how small. Honor the memories you hold – and give yourself permission to make new ones.

Psychological counseling can provide insights and a deeper understanding of the emotions that surface during seasonal transitions. It also offers healthy coping tools to help manage grief, loneliness, and unmet expectations – so you can make more empowering choices. While we cannot change the past or control every future outcome, we can learn to honor our memories while staying open to growth, healing, and joy in the present moment.

Reach out to Dr. Vernon at The Care Practice to learn new skills to become the best version of yourself.