I've been feeling kind of off lately. I'm not sure how to describe it other than "heavy." I have all of these things I'd like to do, but feel paralyzed by the daily monotony of potty training, breastfeeding, and...that's about all I've been doing the past couple months {or so it feels}. So my "do someday soon" list has gotten out of control and seems to be weighing on me. This week, I finally decided to take some control back and re-realize what makes me happy and "light."
 |
| Not that I'm complaining about spending so much time with these faces... |
As someone with 2 literature degrees, I'm embarrassed to say that I've only read a total of three {THREE!} books this entire year. Three, guys. There were times in my life when I could knock that out in a week. That was obviously before I had kids, but lately I've recognized the void my lack of reading has left. Time to fill it.
This week, thanks to my ever-encouraging husband, I decided to start a bookclub, make a list of books to finish by the end of the year, and be proactive about finding times throughout the day to read. I know. This is nothing groundbreaking. You mean I can read while I'm nursing? Or during nap time instead of watching TV? Wow, Brenna, some epiphany! It sounds ridiculous, but it's true. I got so out of the habit that I forgot how happy it makes me.
Today I went to a coffee shop and read. For two hours. It was blissful. Ironically, the book I am reading {The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin....yes, Erin, I know you lent it to me 6 months ago. Sorry I haven't returned it yet} mentions the importance of pursuing passions and how rediscovering your passions can bring increased joy. She discusses happiness experts "who advocate periods of deprivation to sharpen pleasure." It was quite apropos. My pleasure in reading is pretty sharp these days.
Anyway, I just wanted to share my excitement about my renewed me-time activity. Do you have any book recommendations I should put on my list?
Yay, I'm so HAPPY that you're reading again, and for pleasure too. No essays or earth-shattering lectures required on completion! I love that you're reading that book, I found it helpful in this stage of life. So easy to get lost in what the kids need, when what they need is a Mom who is happy with who she is. And you're a reader, so you should read! No hurry to return the book, and check my Pinterest board for book suggestions. Let us know what you read in your book club too!
ReplyDeleteIf I remember correctly, you wrote an essay years ago for a college application based on a (favorite?) book. You chose "If You Give a Mouse a Cookie", writing about how that story can mirror life. Soooooo, reading this blog entry of yours makes me think, "If you give a reader a book... she will eventually read it." Tee hee. By the way, Brenna-my-Brenna, I'm quite certain that I read the whole Anne of Green Gables series while nursing babies and it was delightful. Happy reading, reader!
ReplyDelete