week 5 in the "become a close(r) reader series: a brainstorm exercise to get *all* your reading ideas and ideals on the page before you commit to anything
This has been quite an eye opening series of exercises. One thing I learned is that I get excited about reading challenges, but run out of steam before I complete them. I'm now breaking each challenge into chunks - noting what I'd like to do, but making goals from the parts of each challenge I think I will realistically accomplish. I'm also giving myself the option to drop out or step away when needed. I'm afraid this will be a year where I will need the escape of favorite comfort reads to quell fear, rage and anxiety. I've got these set aside and at the ready. Also, I've realized that local communities are our true safety net. Pushing outside of my introverted nature and preference to stay in my own cozy spaces, I've volunteered at my local library to be a reading mentor. I've all kinds of hope but also trepidation for that reading venture.
This is such a helpful framework, Haley! Thank you so much for sharing. I think it would work well for academic reading lists/goals as well as personal ones.
This has been my favorite exercise thus far, although each has been beneficial. I'm realizing how the genres I love and gravitate toward play a role in my life and how to best set up my reading year for what I truly want vs the popular books everyone is talking about. I'm seeing a much more relaxed, joyful year ahead and am able to set my reading goals and lists from that place of abundance. Thank you as always for these exercises!
Oh, I love to read this Jordan! Thank you so much. I’m glad these exercises have been helpful for you — and I love your observations about genres playing a big role in your reading life.
This has been quite an eye opening series of exercises. One thing I learned is that I get excited about reading challenges, but run out of steam before I complete them. I'm now breaking each challenge into chunks - noting what I'd like to do, but making goals from the parts of each challenge I think I will realistically accomplish. I'm also giving myself the option to drop out or step away when needed. I'm afraid this will be a year where I will need the escape of favorite comfort reads to quell fear, rage and anxiety. I've got these set aside and at the ready. Also, I've realized that local communities are our true safety net. Pushing outside of my introverted nature and preference to stay in my own cozy spaces, I've volunteered at my local library to be a reading mentor. I've all kinds of hope but also trepidation for that reading venture.
Hi Maryann,
What a cool volunteer opportunity; thanks for sharing this idea. I want to look into this for myself!
I'll let you know how it goes.
Seconded on this, love the volunteer idea!
This is such a helpful framework, Haley! Thank you so much for sharing. I think it would work well for academic reading lists/goals as well as personal ones.
Thanks so much, Mary!! It would work so well for setting all kinds of goals, not just reading ones—absolutely!!
This has been my favorite exercise thus far, although each has been beneficial. I'm realizing how the genres I love and gravitate toward play a role in my life and how to best set up my reading year for what I truly want vs the popular books everyone is talking about. I'm seeing a much more relaxed, joyful year ahead and am able to set my reading goals and lists from that place of abundance. Thank you as always for these exercises!
Oh, I love to read this Jordan! Thank you so much. I’m glad these exercises have been helpful for you — and I love your observations about genres playing a big role in your reading life.