I have been pretty vocal about my newfound love of reading. This is how it all began.
In 2020, my New Years’ resolution was to start reading books. I have never been a reader of literature, I mostly read industry articles and trade publications around design, technology, and cultural trends. Generally, I stay busy with sports, kids, work, travel, and life. I never thought I had the time or attention span to sit down and read an entire book.
The main point is that I went from not reading books at all to reading thirty-five books in a year, and now, halfway through 2021, I am on track to surpass my 2020 read book count.
For the most part, I cannot believe I waited this long to discover my love for reading. However, this year I resolved to start writing. As evidenced by this article, I have a few stories I plan to share this year, in addition to my racing journey.
Still, before I get into my favorite books or any recommendations, I wanted to share the things I have noticed that have changed in me through the last year of reading.
There are so many incredible benefits of reading, and this list details the most impactful ones for me.
1. Brain Exercise — Reading a book is a workout for the brain. Reading makes your brain function better, increases motor cognition skills, and makes you think. A study mentioned in the Healthline article, “Benefits of Reading Books: How It Can Positively Affect Your Life” on how reading affects your brain, details how participants read the novel “Pompeii” over 9 days and scientists used MRI scans to learn that there was increased brain activity and connectivity during and after the period of reading. Brain exercise is just as imporatant as physical exercise. Reading may even help you live longer according to the study, “THE SURVIVAL ADVANTAGE OF READING BOOKS”.
2. An Expanded Vocabulary — Reading exposes the brain to a more extended vocabulary not typically used in “weekend language.” Being exposed to the expressions used in stories expands the language used in everyday conversation.
“Read a thousand books, and your words will flow like a river.” — Lisa See
3. Creating Memories — Each book has become a memory or a moment that brings joy to my life. I find myself passing by a spot that I learned of a critical point in a story, and my mind will immediately fill with images of what the story was about, the characters, and the moment in time. I involuntarily smile at these memories.
“There is more treasure in books than in all the pirate’s loot on Treasure Island.” — Walt Disney
4. Confidence Boost — Reading gives new confidence — a feeling of being more intelligent, using a more expansive vocabulary, and having more awareness.
5. Constant Curiosity — Books increase curiosity about the things we do not know. Especially when reading non-fiction, I will investigate to learn more. I will try and look for more writing on the subject matter, read articles, Wikipedia, and watch movies to complete the stories I have begun in books.
“Curiosity about life in all of its aspects, I think, is still the secret of great creative people.” — Leo Burnett
6. New Relationships — Stories become a great conversation piece. People tend to share the books they read with friends and family. Talking about what we have learned and sharing how it makes us feel. There is a whole new world around sharing thoughts on a book with a close friend and bonding over the characters and the storyline.
“Reading is a discount ticket to everywhere.” — Mary Schmich
7. Obtaining Knowledge — Reading is an excellent source of insight. We can discover new things every day. The information we absorb becomes a part of us and helps us grow as individuals.
8. New Connections — Books are a great way to connect with others. By using books to find common ground with people, I have learned to create a new form of communication.
9. History Appreciation — Books often use historical events to tell stories or as references. I noticed that the past has become more exciting, and my understanding is clearer by learning about history in different contexts.
“A capacity, and taste, for reading gives access to whatever has already been discovered by others.” — Abraham Lincoln
10. Increased Delight — I find pleasure in various ways around reading. Starting a new book is always exciting, and finishing one feels like an achievement. There have been books that I slowed down to enjoy longer and characters I have developed deep empathy for. There are things I do not want to let go of, and some things are a great relief to come to an end.
All in all, thinking about reading, reading, and talking about it has brought me great joy, to which I am incredibly thankful.
“I cannot remember the books I’ve read any more than the meals I have eaten; even so, they have made me. “— Ralph Waldo Emerson
Last, I wanted to share the motivation that prompted me to begin reading in the first place. At the end of 2019, I stumbled across a list of “great quotes” or “great advice”; I really cannot seem to find it now, but it was a great list of motivational quotes and sayings. In that list was this quote that struck me. The point was that if you are not reading literature, you may as well not know how to read.
This then led me to the famous Mark Twain quote,
“The man who does not read good books has no advantage over the man who can’t read them.”
It was powerful enough to make me give reading literature a try. I never imagined how much I would read or how much doing so would change me.
Keep reading!
