“I read because one life isn’t enough,
and in the page of a book I can be anybody;
I read because the words that build the story
become mine, to build my life…”
Richard Peck (partial quote) American Novelist (1934-2018)
I have always been an avid reader and I still am. I typically have 2-3 books in progress at the same time (different genres/topics). Over the last few weeks, with extra time at home, I have been reading even more. There are many reasons why I like to read, and I give credit to mom and dad for instilling the love of reading in me. We did not have a school reading list common to the current educational setting. We had weekly trips to the library and there were always books in the house. I remember enjoying the trips to the library with mom and dad. We only had one rule…we had to select a variety of topics.
I am sure we would all agree with the statement that “reading has a powerful effect on learning, development, and growth.” The purpose of my blog is to share a perspective on striving toward a balanced life…training the body and the mind.
Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body. Addison
I believe reading and books are a key part of the path to wellness, lifelong learning, and personal development.
Pew Charitable Trust (2012) completed a two-part study on reading. The Rise of E-Reading and Why People Like to Read. The list below from the Pew research are reasons people like to read…my connection to wellness follows.
- 26% of those who had read a book in the past 12 months said that what they enjoyed most was learning, gaining knowledge, and discovering information.
- 15% cited the pleasures of escaping reality, becoming immersed in another world, and the enjoyment they got from using their imaginations.
- 12% said they liked the entertainment value of reading, the drama of good stories, the suspense of watching a good plot unfold.
- 12% said they enjoyed relaxing while reading and having quiet time.
- 6% liked the variety of topics they could access via reading and how they could find books that particularly interested them.
- 4% said they enjoy finding spiritual enrichment through reading and expanding their worldview.
- 3% said they like being mentally challenged by books.
- 2% cited the physical properties of books – their feel and smell – as a primary pleasure.
Wellness encompasses a balance of the multidimensional journey that each of us takes at one time or another. Each of our journeys is unique and different. We all strive to succeed as individuals who create our own paths in life.
- Emotional Wellness….positive self-esteem, awareness and acceptance of thoughts and feelings
- Intellectual Wellness…continual learning, creativity, curiosity, self-development
- Physical Wellness….increase in life span
- Social Wellness…ability to communicate with and connect with others, social network,
- Spiritual Wellness…adds to the meaning and purpose of life, open to others’ beliefs and values
What am I reading now?
Joy of Movement…I have always been a believer that there is more to exercise than just the physical act of moving. This book expands on that idea and connects to concepts I have shared and plan to share in my blog.
Elm Creek Quilt series…I just started book #10 and there are at least 11 more to go. I like to read series to follow a story from beginning to end.
No. 1 Ladies’ Detective Agency…another series; I’m reading book #5 of 21
I subscribe to Kindle Unlimited AND of course have a library card so I can read magazines and books for “free” and listen to audiobooks.
Since starting my blog, I read about a variety of topics in journals through the library and online.
I read to be entertained, learn, image, explore, and relax.
How about you???
