Writer plans summer of rest and sun

A local writer is preparing for the arrival of summer by planning a period of deliberate rest. The author, who identifies as a Ngāpuhi, states that the season offers a break from the usual rush of deadlines. This upcoming period will be used for relaxation and personal pursuits.

The writer notes that winter in Ōtepoti is marked by frequent deadlines and gloomy mornings. Summer provides a contrast by allowing for longer afternoons and less urgency. The author describes the season as a time when the calendar loses its usual authority. This shift allows for more time to be spent on activities that have been delayed.

Specific plans include booking a tennis lesson that has been pending since the writer moved to Dunedin. There is also a stack of books waiting to be read. The author considers taking road trips to Central and spending time in the sun. The goal is to engage with new hobbies and enjoy the lack of immediate pressure.

In the previous year, the writer spent six weeks chasing snow in the Northern Hemisphere. This trip was taken after saving up and leaving the Dunner Stunners team. This year, the approach is different. The writer aims to make the break feel intentional rather than just a transition between academic years.

The plan involves creating a list of activities that may not have practical value but are enjoyable. These include places to visit, foods to eat, and items to try. The writer acknowledges that not everything on the list will be completed. The focus is on having things to look forward to rather than achieving specific goals.

Most of the year is spent fitting into schedules and long-term plans. The post-exam season offers a chance to be less efficient. The writer recognizes that summer often disappears quickly due to graduation, holidays, and work. This fleeting nature makes the time feel more valuable. The author wants to enjoy the temporary nature of the break.

The writer is not interested in making the next chapter of life impressive. The summer is viewed as an untouched period that has not yet happened. This uncertainty is seen as a positive aspect. The author prefers to wait and see what the season becomes without forcing a specific outcome.

The approach is described as a way to enjoy the time without treating it as a productivity project. The writer seeks a summer that feels excessive in the way previous summers did. This includes forgetting the days of the week and staying outside later than usual. The plan is to let the season unfold naturally.