Stuck in a Rut

Stuck in a Reading Rut?

Reading is fun! I love to read and I can recall reading, or at least flipping through books, from an early age. My mother was a reader and I was fortunate enough to have parents who fully supported my interest and fascination with books and the library. I remember the feeling of comfort that I felt as we would walk into the Mcallen Public Library for our biweekly visit. At the time I may not have known what the feeling was called, but as I reflect on it I know what it was and is: complete bliss. 

As I have grown older, and become a wife, mother, and educator, I found that life has made it difficult at times to have time for me to open a book and enjoy another world. For a few years, I was stuck in a reading rut and didn't think that I would be able to come back from it. I shied away from new books because I felt I had no time, I had lesson plans to create, papers to grade, and the work around the house seemed to never seize. Most importantly, I was a new mom and understood that my boys needed me. What I have grown to learn is that you must make time. When something gives you joy, there is always time. 

Being a library science student has shown me that reading can be done in various formats. They are all enjoyable and provide choice as well as ease of access. For one, I have become fond of audiobooks, which I had never been given a chance to. I look forward to driving my car to work or running errands because I can conveniently listen to my audiobook while driving. How is that for access! Along with audiobooks, E-books have become so powerful for me. Even if it is five minutes that I can spare some time to enjoy a good book, I now have access. 

So, if you are stuck in a reading rut, don't be hard on yourself. It is not about how fast a book can be read or how many books are covered within a year... this is about enjoying yourself. Give yourself the time... it is worth and you are worth that time.