The summer is almost upon us. Finals week is practically here, and after the rush and adrenaline of exams and last minute papers, summer will be a great sigh of relief.

But the coming of summer also means the ending of another semester.

While a break is nice, this also makes me aware of time passing.

In fact, whenever pivotal events happen that shake us from daily routines, we are reminded that time is always passing.

However, it’s quite up to us to choose how to perceive this time.  Besides the glass empty/full perspective, or seeing it as though we are losing time, we could view it a different way.

Time as we know it is a construct.

Clocks are mere measuring tools, as is the sun, the moon and the changing of seasons.

Our schedules and routines keep us aware of time, so when schedules change, it’s a great opportunity to reform your schedule, or choose not to have a schedule at all.

Whatever you choose to do over the summer, know that whatever you are doing, you are exactly where you need to be right now. Sometimes working in the “mundane” world of school and jobs and chores and errands is tiresome, and our goals or dreams seem distant and unreachable.

Don’t fret, though, or plan too far ahead.

Dante Alighieri (Italian Renaissance author of the “Divine Comedy”) advised something along the lines of enjoying your life’s journey, and accepting all the pitfalls, setbacks and misfortunes, as well as the happy times.

If you always know what’s going to happen, if you’re always planning everything ahead toward a goal, the way there won’t be that interesting or stimulating.

If you always know what’s coming, you’re apt to ignore everything along the way, and that’s really a waste of time and life.

Summer is a great time to simply relax and enjoy the moments you have that are free.

It’s also good to remember that whether you’re coming up on your second or very last semester in college, where you are is exactly where you need to be on your path. If you’re stressed about the future, take a look at the present.

If you’re worrying about finding a job or getting into graduate school, worrying about it now is only going to inhibit your ability to perform well in interviews, on your resume, or the GRE.

So just relax by the pool with an iced beverage, take a deep breath, and know that you’re exactly where you need to be, and that where you are is perfect for your path.