Ah, I know I already wrote about how much I love these summer traditions… But this time I’d like to talk to you about another aspect of summer: how it gives us more time to do things. Last weekend I spent my time in nature, mostly. I went horseback riding, cycling and walking. I got up early and enjoyed my days off to the fullest.

One of the things that made me tingle with joy was the fact that the days are getting longer still and that -although the cold Dutch wind reminded me that I am in the Netherlands- we are still in the build-up to summer. By the time the days get shorter again, we start losing time, too. It seems longer nights trigger some form of hibernation in us. When days are longer, on the other hand, it seems extra hours are added to our 24-hour days, and sometimes that’s just what we need. That’s why I love summer so much! Because it’s the season we can trick time and take more than we actually get!

Maybe this summer you can use your extra time for writing your thesis, or maybe you’ll be working on some research project or important conference... Whatever it is you’ll be doing, don’t forget to use a couple of hours every day to be out and celebrate. Celebrate the fertility of nature, and enjoy the long days with your friends.