A note for July, 2026
Enjoy More
“The more we notice, the more we enjoy.
A note for July,
For years, many of you welcomed the Weekly Happiness Note into your inbox each Thursday. As life evolves, this little publication is evolving too. Beginning this month, The Happiness Note will arrive on the first Thursday of every month. My hope is that it becomes a small monthly ritual. A quiet pause you can return to whenever you need a reminder of what matters most.
Each month, I’ll share a simple theme to carry with you, along with practical ideas and gentle reminders to help you remember the good, feel your best, and reset as needed.
July has always felt like an invitation to slow down just enough to truly enjoy life. Longer days. Warm evenings. Time outdoors. A season that gently reminds us to pay attention to the moments that matter most.
As I thought about what I wanted this month to feel like, one word kept coming to mind.
Notice.
It’s going to be my word for the month.
I have a feeling that the more I notice, the more I’ll enjoy. I want to notice the beauty of summer, the conversations that matter, the joy of family, and the ordinary moments that are so easy to rush past. My hope is that this month’s Happiness Note helps you enjoy more by noticing more, too.
For me, this month will be filled with early morning runs alongside one of my best friends, weekends and a few evenings at the ballpark cheering on my youngest son, and streaming every game I can as my oldest takes part in his first collegiate summer baseball season in the Western Canadian Baseball League after completing his freshman year in Arizona. I’ll also have the chance to travel east to cheer him on in person. It will be my first visit to the Prairies, and I’m looking forward to experiencing a part of Canada I’ve never seen before.
In between all of that, I’ll continue spending my days coaching leaders around the world, work that continually reminds me how meaningful it is to help people navigate challenges, strengthen relationships, grow in confidence, and create lives and careers that feel aligned with who they are.
Every season has its own rhythm. This month, I’m choosing to embrace this one a little more fully. Not by doing more, but by noticing more.
Thank you for being here. Whether you’ve been reading for years or this is your very first edition, I’m grateful you’ve chosen to spend a few moments of your month with me.
Let’s make July a month to enjoy more.
In gratitude, ❤ Emily
This Month’s Reflection:
One of the biggest misconceptions about happiness is believing it lives somewhere in the future.
We tell ourselves we’ll be happier when life slows down. When we reach a goal. When work feels easier. When the kids are older. When we’re on vacation. When everything finally falls into place.
It’s an easy trap to fall into.
Each month, I'll revisit one article from my collection that speaks to the theme we're exploring. This month's reflection is inspired by What If Living Happily Ever After Is Within Your Reach?
What if happiness isn’t waiting somewhere “out there”?
What if it’s available right here, in the middle of ordinary days, if we simply learn to notice it?
As you move through this month, I invite you to practice these three simple rituals.
This Month’s Three Rituals:
Remember the good, feel your best, reset as needed…
💛 Remember the Good:
It’s easy to spend our days focusing on what’s missing, what’s next, or what still needs our attention.
Yet every day also holds moments worth remembering.
A shared laugh.
A beautiful sunset.
A meaningful conversation.
A quiet cup of coffee before the day begins.
The more we train our minds to notice what’s already good, the easier it becomes to experience gratitude in the middle of ordinary life.
Ritual:
Before your head hits the pillow each night, ask yourself:
What was one moment today that made me smile?
Let that be the final thought you carry into tomorrow.
🌿 Feel Your Best:
One of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves is to care about how we feel.
Our energy, thoughts, and habits shape the way we experience each day.
When we choose activities that leave us feeling calm, energized, connected, or grateful, we’re investing in a happier version of ourselves.
Notice what helps you feel your best, then make room for a little more of it.
Ritual:
Choose one habit this month that consistently leaves you feeling better.
Protect time for it.
Even ten intentional minutes each day can change how you experience your life.
🔄 Reset as Needed:
Life will never be perfect before we’re allowed to be happy.
There will always be unfinished projects, unexpected challenges, and goals still waiting to be reached.
Instead of postponing your happiness until “someday,” give yourself permission to experience joy along the way.
Happiness isn’t the reward at the finish line.
It grows in the moments we’re willing to fully live today.
Ritual:
Whenever you catch yourself saying,
“I’ll be happy when...”
Pause.
Ask yourself:
What is one thing I can appreciate about my life right now?
That small reframe and shift has the power to change your perspective.
Three reminders for July:
Don’t wait for perfect circumstances before allowing yourself to enjoy your life.
Gratitude grows when we notice what’s already here.
Happiness is found less in arriving and more in appreciating the journey.
Reflection for the Month:
Where in my life have I been postponing happiness, and what would change if I chose to experience more joy today?
Carry that question with you throughout the month.
This Month’s Quote:
A gentle reminder: The Happiness Note is designed to inspire reflection and personal growth. The ideas shared are for informational and educational purposes and are not a substitute for professional advice. Please consult a qualified professional regarding your individual circumstances.