The kids are in bed and we're two hours away from 2013 so I have a few minutes to reflect on my past year of reading.
Well, I did it!
I guess I've proven that you can make a goal on January 1st and stick with it for a whole year. It feels great to accomplish it! There were times when it was really easy (on vacation in Florida, or the ocassional night away from the kids) and there were times when it was really, really hard (stomach viruses and being up 5+ times a night with the kids). When I got very behind on my books then something was clearly out of balance. It was the perfect reflection of my emotional well-being and the choas of working full-time and raising two young energetic boys.
What I really learned from this experience is that you can 'fit it in'.
Recently Glen and I were talking about how he could find more time for his writing. I told him how I squeezed in my reading (although granted, writing isn't as easy to "squeeze in"). If I arrived at work 5 minutes early I would sit in my car for 10 minutes and read. I took my books everywhere. The best time to read was when I could take Jack to his activities - swimming bought me an hour each week, lego class another hour, and karate another one. I've signed Jack up for gymnastics classes in the new year (more reading time!). And of course, there were countless times I read between 11pm and 1am. I wonder if 2013 might bring more sleep?
My reading has even rubbed off on my six year old, Jack.
On Saturday, Jack wanted a new lego set which was $20 more expensive than the gift cards he had, so he promised he'd read for 3 hours before we gave him his lego set (it was either reading or chores around the house -- he picked reading). He too finished his goal this evening. I'm so proud of him. All day he was asking me my page 'count down' while I asked him his minute count down.
I am happier.
Reading has made me a happier and more complete person this year. There have been times when my books have supported me through some rough emotional patches. I've also noticed I've become more intentional and purposeful with my words - both in conversations and in my writing. I've met new people who also love books and managed to convince the librarians at our local library that I don't just use them as our DVD rental place.
Will I do this again next year?
Probably not. I don't want to worry about picking up a 1,000 page book and getting behind in my reading schedule. It has been great for my mental health, but I need to find the same balance with my physical health as well. Maybe audio books while I workout will do the trick?
Thank you!
Thank you to everyone who has encouraged me and shared your favourite books with me. As a present to you here are my top picks for the year. I hope you have a chance to read one of them in 2013!
My top 5 picks (in no particular order)...
The Language of Flowers
The Paris Wife
The Midwife of Venice
Requiem
Divergent/Insurgent/(third in the series to come in the Fall of 2013)
And 5 more books I can't stop thinking about...these were either disturbing or changed my view of the world. They were great reads, I'm just not sure that everyone would enjoy them.
Through the Glass
Chai Tea Sunday
The Gargoyle
The Best Laid Plans
The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks
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