As I prepare for my first library board meeting, I am reflecting on how very important reading is after formal education is over.

I know lots of people who say they don’t bother reading as adults. I never really understood why that would be.

๐Ÿ’• I was raised by two parents who both read for entertainment. I saw my grandma and my aunts reading all the time, while camping or when we were on holidays. Watching them all as I grew up, helped me to form the habits of an adult reader.

I’ll admit, with life busy, reading something front to back can be a challenge, when it seems you never have a quiet moment to yourself. I usually am the one who has to check to book out from the library for months at a time! ๐Ÿ˜‰

But the disassociation from the craziness of everyday life is so worth it. To me it likens itself to meditation in how restorative it can be for the soul.

Why read?

Not only an awesome way to momentarily escape reality, it’s great exercise for your brain!

Just over 4 years ago I suffered a stroke. I lost some memory, mostly short term (which continues to plague me daily). In the recovery process the neurologist explained to me that I may never see full restoration of short term memory, but if I exercise my brain, it will help to function in everyday life & restore some memory ability.

What did the neurologist suggest?

Reading. Brain games. Meditation.

For me reading is a treat! Reading of all sorts. Whether its a plethora of kids books or a novel that I picked up just for me. ๐Ÿ“š

I also find with my most recent work endeavor, that reading is priceless! I’m constantly learning about all the history, in-depth details, and chemistry etc. behind making safe and effective naturally derived cosmetics.

With the resources out there, you can read yourself into learning so much!! Of course it does take some time to weed out the reputable information if you’re using the internet for your sources.

My goals

One of my personal goals as a parent is to raise adult readers. So far I have 3 children over the age of 16, and they all read for entertainment. Their favorite store is Indigo (bookstore), and I see regularly when they have time off from school, they can be found in a chair with a cozy blanket, with a good book. Talk about hygge!

I’m striving to make the younger three kids readers too! โœจ

As far as for myself, I will continue to read until I go blind, or die. If I go blind I will make use of audiobooks!

My wish for you

I hope this has inspired you to consider how valuable reading is as a life skill and I encourage you to make use of your public libraries. For us here in Crowsnest Pass yearly memberships are free! Awesome!!! ๐Ÿ˜Š

Read lots! Read lots to your kids!

Hoping you have the best week ever!

โค๏ธPeace and love โ˜ฎ๏ธ


21 Comments

Andrea · January 25, 2019 at 8:53 am

Wow! Reading is so powerful! It is amazing that it can restore brain function after a stroke. What a great and insightful article. Thank you for sharing your story.

    Wildflower · January 28, 2019 at 8:27 am

    I’m so glad you enjoyed it ๐Ÿ˜Š

    Wildflower · February 3, 2019 at 6:57 pm

    You’re so welcome! โค๏ธ

Krissy · January 25, 2019 at 8:58 am

I read everyday and it is SO important to read ๐Ÿ˜Š Great article!

    Wildflower · January 28, 2019 at 8:27 am

    Thanks so much!!

    Wildflower · February 3, 2019 at 6:58 pm

    Thank you Krissy!

renate · January 25, 2019 at 12:44 pm

I love reading but don’t do enough of it! I can see how it would help your memory and may just have to slot in a daily read, followed by meditation session <3

    Wildflower · January 28, 2019 at 8:28 am

    Worth the time to schedule it in! Thanks for your comment!

    Wildflower · February 3, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Thank you for your comment!!

Shella Gardezi · January 25, 2019 at 4:38 pm

Reading is great for keeping your mind active and enhancing your knowledge and experience of life. I also served on my library board in Grand Forks, just down the road from you. (OK, maybe a few hours down the road.) It was a great experience!

    Wildflower · January 28, 2019 at 8:28 am

    That’s awesome!! Ya you’re not too far from us! I enjoyed your comment! Thanks!

    Wildflower · February 3, 2019 at 6:59 pm

    Thanks for your comment!! ๐Ÿ’•

Sasha · January 26, 2019 at 8:55 am

I really should read more. I used to read so much as a young adult but I find Iโ€™m so pressed for time, I mostly listen to audiobooks on the go. Iโ€™m actually looking forward to an upcoming vacation where Iโ€™m taking an actual book to read!!

    Wildflower · January 28, 2019 at 8:29 am

    Audiobooks are a great option for people who are super strapped for time! Have a super vacation, hope you get a bit of reading in! ๐Ÿ˜

    Wildflower · February 3, 2019 at 7:01 pm

    Awesome!

Crystal · January 28, 2019 at 11:21 am

I love to write but I don’t like to read although I want to like to read. I go through my spells however. But thanks for sharing and putting a fire under me.

    Wildflower · February 3, 2019 at 7:02 pm

    My pleasure Crystal!! Hope it helps you to love it! โค๏ธ

Sarah · February 3, 2019 at 6:39 pm

I have always loved reading. Most of the time when I think back on my childhood, I see myself with my nose to a book, even when on vacation or taking the bus home from school. I am trying to instill a love of reading in my son, heโ€™s a bit hesitant but also loves to read if itโ€™s the right book. I think Iโ€™m finally winning with this as he asked for books for Christmas and his birthday. We now make sure everyone in the family reads for about an hour after dinner every night, so we can get through all of the books in our house.

    Wildflower · February 3, 2019 at 7:09 pm

    Way to go Sarah!! That’s super awesome! Your kids will thank you one day!! ๐Ÿ˜Š

Julia Markle · February 25, 2019 at 1:57 am

I love reading but donโ€™t do enough of it! This is really an amazing post post, thanks.

    Wildflower · February 25, 2019 at 9:09 am

    Thanks Julia!

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