Books: Inspire, teach, inform, travel, transform, perspectives, joy, love, growth, tragedy, drama, mystery, beauty, words, photographs, what’s possible, past, future, history, science, other worlds, rich characters, imagination, magic, resilience, strength, happiness, health, meaning, fear, anger, sadness, joy, laughter, adventure, ideas, creativity, connection.
and, so much more….
I recently saw a post on Facebook, a video clip that has gone viral where young people are asked to name a book. Most of them struggled to name even one. I was shocked that Dr. Zeus was the only book an adult could remember while others admit they don’t read. Was the clip made up to encourage reading? I’m not at all sure, though if it was made up, how brilliant! It certainly left me thinking about the books I’ve read and wish to read. I was inspired to visit the library and make a stop at a local bookstore — stocking up on this month’s reading.
Books! From novels to text books, I love to read. Over the course of a year, I easily read 2 – 3 books each month. At any give time I am deep into at least two books. Always a novel that I read before bed, quiet afternoons, or rainy days. Then, there is something inspiring, like poetry or a book on nature — being inspired keeps me positively focused. I also like Informative books on positive psychology, living a better life, or a book on herbs that will inform my work.
Books allow me to travel to far off places — I am especially fond of historical fiction. Some places I’ll never get to see, some places I’ve already traveled to, and other places are on my bucket list of must see. Reading invites me to dream and plan. Of course, other stories are about places that don’t exist except in the author’s imagination which then spark my own imagination. Through reading I’ve learned about the romantic lure of Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain and Italy. I’ve learned about the rich landscapes of India, Egypt, and Africa. I’ve also learned about the brief history of the US and the many beautiful places between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.
Books make my day-to-day richer. If I am in the middle of a novel, my imagination is carried into my life off the page — hikes become fantasy wanderings in the woods, people become characters in my story, and I am more open to creative thinking and being. Many things I make in fiber remind me of a novel I am reading or have recently read. I’ll often change my style with the next absorbing story. For example, reading the entire Outlander series came with a wealth of creative ideas — sweaters, shawls, blankets, cowls, and fingerless gloves.
Through reading I learn about other points of view on living, thinking, and being. Reading also informs my own writing whether creative writing, articles, or blog posts.
I can’t imagine life without books and a good story. We are wired for story — it is our ancestral way of ‘recording’ history and passing on what we need to know in order to survive, live a good life, and make informed decisions for change. Books also present stories with positive messages that open us to make more empowering decisions to bring more meaning and purpose into our lives.
I am saddened to think reading is falling out of favor. Where is the richness of a good story if books aren’t part of life? Do you read? What do you like to read? Would you like to read more but don’t know where to begin? Check out goodreads.com where you can see what others are reading.
Hey folks! Reading is essential. Go out to your local bookstore or library and wrap your hands around a good story.
Happy, Healthy, & The Prepared Mind 