Last week, I shared that I’m on a journey to read more as a way of reconnecting to something that I love and used to do a lot of. I shared this on Instagram and asked my followers a few questions – and got some great insight about how much people are reading and tips for reading more.

When I asked people to share tips on reading more, I got A LOT of responses, but here’s a quick summary:

• Many people read audiobooks during their commute, while working out, or during other spaces where they may have to wait or need to fill time (e.g.: in the line at the grocery store, waiting for an appointment, etc).
• People who read frequently always have books available to read (audiobooks, e-readers/e-reading apps).
• People aren’t afraid to put down a book they don’t like. In some cases, they will return to it later, and in others – not at all.
• There were also quite a few people who utilized the Libby app to access books through their local library and listen to them or have them on their e-readers/e-reading apps.

What I’m learning about all of this as I continue on my quest to read more:

• I should probably give audiobooks a try. I generally listen to podcasts when driving, so I don’t know that the leap from podcasts to audiobooks is huge. That said, I’ll probably have to be more careful about it, because I am rarely in the car by myself – and I try to be mindful of the media that my kids consume.
• I can do better about having books readily available to read (keeping my Kindle with me, using the Kindle app on my phone). Honestly, there’s no excuse here. I have a Kindle, I have the Kindle app on my phone – I have just chosen to use the time to mindlessly scroll or do other things. Here’s to readjusting habits towards what really matters.
• It’s okay to NOT finish a book. I feel particularly guilty about this – and will sometimes struggle through a book or will stop reading altogether. I’m not sure of the root of this feeling – and I’m not even sure that it’s something to feel guilty about. That said, I believe one way that I can feel less guilty is by already having something else queued up to read so that when I decide a book isn’t for me, I already have something else ready to try.

And as a general accountability update – I’m still reading The Davenports, and am currently about 65% through it! I’ve been reading during short breaks and before bed! Two things I’d like to know: What are you reading right now and would anyone be interested in a book club?

Thanks for being on this journey with me!

Until next time – be encouraged! Peace and blessings!