Sha'Carey Martin

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Reading Again…

Hey guys and welcome to a brand new blog post. It Is a beautiful Sunday and I am just lying around in bed enjoying the last little bit of the weekend before Monday comes back around. As I was strolling through the internet, I thought it was a great time to get out of bed and revisit some old hobbies I used to have. One of my favorite pastimes has always been reading. As a kid born in the 90’s, reading was better than TikTok and Youtube combined. It offered the BEST escapes from the world and I truly miss who I used to be when I would read for hours and hours at a time. However, now that I am an adult, it’s truly like I dont have time to read (or do many fun things anymore). Sometimes I get so caught up in the “hustle and bustle” of life that I forget to make time for things that truly bring me joy.

Do you ever feel that way? Like life is rushing past you and you’re just trying to keep up? It’s a common feeling, especially in today’s fast-paced world where we’re bombarded with notifications, deadlines, and endless to-do lists. But amidst this chaos, there’s something incredibly comforting about the thought of curling up with a good book, escaping into a different world, and letting go of all the stresses and worries even just for a little while.

I remember the days when my biggest dilemma was choosing which book to read next, or trying to sneak a few more pages in after bedtime. Those were simpler times, weren’t they? Now, as an adult, I find myself yearning to reclaim that sense of wonder and joy that reading used to bring me. So, if you’re like me and you’ve been missing those reading marathons and late-night adventures with fictional characters, let’s embark on a journey together to rediscover the magic of reading—girlie style!

Step 1: Carve Out "Me-Time" for Reading

The first step in rekindling your love for reading is to prioritize it in your schedule. Just like you make time for work, appointments, and chores, it’s important to carve out dedicated "me-time" for reading. Whether it’s early in the morning with a cup of coffee, during your lunch break, or winding down in the evening before bed, find a time that works best for you and stick to it. Treat this time as sacred—a precious moment to escape into a book and indulge in some well-deserved relaxation.

Step 2: Create Your Reading Sanctuary

Every bookworm needs a cozy reading nook to call their own. Transform a corner of your home into your personal reading sanctuary. Add comfy cushions, soft blankets, and ambient lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. Maybe even sprinkle in some decorative elements that reflect your favorite genres or literary heroes. This space should inspire you to curl up with a book and immerse yourself in its pages without distractions.

Step 3: Set Realistic Reading Goals

Setting achievable reading goals will help you stay motivated and track your progress. Start small, perhaps with a goal to read one book a month, and gradually increase as you build momentum. Don’t pressure yourself with lofty expectations—reading should be enjoyable, not stressful. Use a journal or a reading app to keep track of the books you’ve read, jot down your thoughts, and celebrate each milestone along the way.

Step 4: Expand Your Literary Horizons

As tempting as it may be to stick with familiar genres or authors, challenge yourself to explore new literary territories. Venture into genres you’ve never tried before, dive into diverse voices and perspectives, or revisit classics that you loved as a child. Joining a book club or online reading community can also introduce you to recommendations and discussions that broaden your reading horizons. The more diverse your reading list, the richer your reading experience will become.

Step 5: Reflect and Rediscover

Take time to reflect on how reading enriches your life and rediscover the joy it brings. Keep a reading journal to capture your thoughts, favorite quotes, and insights from each book you read. Write reviews on platforms like Goodreads to share your recommendations with others and discover new books based on fellow readers’ feedback. Reflecting on your reading journey will deepen your appreciation for books and remind you why you fell in love with reading in the first place.

Above all, embrace the adventure of rediscovering your love for reading. Let go of expectations and allow yourself to be swept away by the magic of storytelling. Whether you’re escaping to fantastical realms, delving into historical mysteries, or exploring the complexities of human nature, savor each moment and let the books you read leave a lasting imprint on your heart and mind.