Here’s the real reason I started reading more…
Since I was young, I’ve always loved reading and books and stories. I remember devouring the Ramona series as a kid and feeling so proud of myself for reading such big books. It was the start of something.
As an English major, I was so grateful that my homework mostly consisted of reading and then writing about it. I thought it was so fun. It felt like I was getting away with something.
Then as a young adult and up to recently, I didn’t read that much. Once you’re out of the habit, you’re out of it. It’s hard to get back. I was in a couple different book clubs and it would be hard for me to finish the book. As a young mom, I felt too tired to read. Sometimes I even faked my way through the conversation because I was so embarrassed!
Then, when I started my own business, work became constant. It was hard to turn off. There was always more I felt like I could be doing or should be doing. When I wasn’t working or with my friends and family, I felt unproductive.
That’s why I decided to start reading more. I wanted something to focus on that made me feel like I was relaxing but still accomplishing a goal for myself. Reading is the perfect combination of escape and achievement.
What one would think is a solitary goal has been such a great connector! I’ve found inspiring friends on Instagram who also have big, but attainable, reading goals, and also realized there is a whole #bookstagram community to find amazing book recs. I’ve also connected with my friends IRL — books are such an amazing thing to share with each other and spark conversation.
All this to say that my new reading goals have already done a whole lot for me: re-invigorating my love for reading, helping me achieve greater work/life balance and connecting me to others.
To quote Rory Gilmore, “do you read?” Anyone else take a 10+ year break like I did? Anyone want to get back into it?
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