In the past five years I have read more books consistently than I have ever in my life. Growing up I wasn't a big reader and so through my adult life I always struggled with sitting down to read. All these years later I am happy to share I have found my own reading rhythm that I am proud of. Today I wanted to share a little about that.
I know it can be particularly challenging to read in the early years of motherhood but somehow it has been this season of being surrounded by littles that I have made reading a regular habit. With a few good habits, I found that reading can be intertwined in these busy years of mothering.
I started reading books digitally through Kindle after having kids because it was easier to get a few minutes of reading in on the go - whether waiting somewhere or feeding a baby. My phone was always nearby and it was so much easier to read one handed when I had babies with me. I read books while we were on our two week cross country road trip to move to Washington and the books spoke to my current life situation.
In 2021 I opened up a Goodreads account and this really encouraged me to keep track of what I was reading and how many books I was getting through. There is something very satisfying about checking a book off my to read list once I finish it.
We went through a lot of changes during our early years of parenting - two cross country moves with two babies. But aligning reading with big chages in my life did something. I tend to lean towards non-fiction so I would often read books based off of what I was going through at the moment.
Even now I look back at my reading during the baby and pregnancy years. I can remember reading certain books while I was sick in bed pregnant or nursing a baby in the middle of the night. These books have become a part of my story.
I reread a lot of my favorites. These are books that help me align with the life that I want. They serve as reminders and encouragement to press on when it often feels hard to find that kind of encouragement in the day to day.
And it allows me to be lazy and productive. If I don't want to get out of bed, at least I can read. I chill on the couch with my kids and read. If I need to zone out and let my kids watch TV over dinner, I will sit with them and eat and read.
Even now as my kids are getting older, I am happily checking off more books that are helping me figure out this new season of parenthood I am in. Instead of dealing with morning sickness on the couch or feeding a baby, I now read while I am waiting in school pick up lines.
Ever since I left social media a few years ago, I now have a lot less distractions on my phone. So when I run out of things to look at (rather quickly) I am reminded I can always read.
I also love that I can check out books for my Kindle through my local library using the Libby app. Now I don't even have to buy books! It is a great way to try books before totally commiting to reading the whole thing as well. And in this fast moving digital world, I really appreciate the slow and thought out process of reading a book. It is helping me slow down and focus on the things I truly care about.
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