Monday Musing -Thoughts on Time and How Do You Read So Much?

People I work with, spend time with, or just know always ask me that question.  Well that is a tough one because life comes down to priorities and everyone’s are different.  One of my goals was to write a book, so I started looking into writing(everyone has at least one book in them).   I read a quote by Stephen King about writing and he said, “If you don't have time to read, you don't have the time (or the tools) to write. Simple as that.”  So I decided that other things in my life would have to take a back seat to reading.  What you ask?  Television was one, we cut the cable and started watching only Netflix, and Hulu.  Not only has it saved money and time, but I only watch TV when I have something I want to watch.  I don’t channel surf, which is a huge waste of time.

Reading and working is tough, but everyone gets a break and that is when I get to read.  Kids are tough and require lots of time, but they love to be read to.  My kids loved The Hunger Games, and the Gregor the Overlander Series, and a few dozen other books I’ve read out loud over the years.

Reading needs to be a priority or it doesn’t happen.  I have many, many favorite authors that I follow and when a new book comes out from any of them I feel like I hit the lottery, especially if I’m lucky enough to be sent a copy to review before it gets published.

I never used to be a big reader, reading was a struggle for me growing up.  But as with anything, Practice Makes Perfect.  The more I read, the faster I got and the more understanding I retained.  Reading is part of my life and other things get pushed to the side now.  Another quote from King, “Books are the perfect entertainment: no commercials, no batteries, hours of enjoyment for each dollar spent. What I wonder is why everybody doesn't carry a book around for those inevitable dead spots in life.”  That is my life.

Go pick up a good book and take a break from real life for awhile, you won’t regret it and you might just learn something new.

Great links on reading.

How Do Leaders Read so Much

Susan Cain