I always have been the only bookworm in class. There were others that enjoyed reading, but with age it became less and less. I made it my priority to read more or keep reading as much as I can- but that could be another topic. However, people kept asking why I read and, in a time, in which the Internet seems to outdate books, it might be strange to stay true to the old medium. I mean I could have more exciting hobbies like bungee jumping or playing the Didgeridoo. But there are so many reasons why I read and that’s why I am currently writing this. Reading changed me like nothing else. It has always been in my life and probably will be (I hope! Even with losing sight I would try to find a way…). Hopefully, this will inspire you to start reading or continue with it. What are your reasons?
- Empathy
Books taught me to change perspectives, to understand other people feelings and be careful about what I say and think. Being a medium, that presents often subjective experiences or personal stories, it is natural being influential in one’s ability to put oneself in another situation.
- All the lives I can’t live
It bothers me that I only can live one life. There are so many paths and ways to live it, that it hurts to choose for one. I want it all! I want to live a pirate’s life as much as the life of an astronaut. Books give me impressions how a life could have been, how other ways can be and in general what it is like. Reading just gives me the opportunity to live millions of lives and therefore make the experiences of all of them.
- Thinking
I am not a big thinker, to be honest I think I am really dumb. But reading taught me problem solving, apply thought patterns that character have or add their ways and reactions to my assemblage of them. For example, Sherlock Holmes with his special way of remembering things (memory palace) inspired me to try this new way of memorizing things as well.
- Entertainment
Of course, reading has not only educational purposes! It is entertaining and fun. I mean you can imagine every word and create own worlds (basically you create your own movie). And I am sure there is something every one can enjoy (to quote The Offspring).
- Exposure to new subjects
Reading exposed me to various subjects with whom I would never have been able to get in touch with. I recently read something about Norse Mythology a topic I am now totally into. Without it I probably would have never gotten into the topic, as it is a subject that is not very present where I live. So, reading expanse my horizons, in an educational way, but also referring to experiences and feelings, I have never felt.
- Quietness and Relaxation
After a busy day with lots of noise, reading is the perfect way to unwind for me. It calms me down and quiets my mind. I can not read while listening music, this meaning I only concentrate on reading while reading. I mostly have to multitask, but concentrating on just one thing is sometimes very calming.
- I am never alone
I have to admit most crushes I had in my life were book characters. It is so easy to fell in love with characters. They understand me, they seem to think like me and they are always there. Pretty reliable friends, right? I just wish sometimes, they would call me back…
- Inspiration and Motivation
Often books give me a big portion of inspiration and motivation. Motivation to keep going, to strive to become the best me possible and to push through whatever is going on at the moment. Inspiration to create myself, to start something new and to be open for everything. Books taught me to always wonder, be adventurous and stay curious, even when it is difficult, painful and exhausting.
What is missing? I probably forgot hundreds of important points here… Why do YOU read?
With love,
Giulia
What will your Verse be? 