life beyond the well…

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Tips for Reading More: Some Insights from My Journey

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!


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Reflecting on Growth: Embracing 2025 with Purpose

And just like that, we’re at the beginning of a new year.

When I think about my kids, I frequently think, “The days are long, but the years are short.” At each point, I marvel at how fast they are growing, meeting and exceeding milestones, and becoming the little people God has created them to be – AND also dragging to bedtime for a semblance of quiet before we rally up for another day. So while that is true for them, it’s true in general. The day-to-day grind feels incredibly long and mundane, and at the same time, we find ourselves trying to figure out how we’re at (insert point here) so fast.

I am thankful for 2024 – for the opportunities, the growth, the new relationships, the challenges, and everything in between. Last year at church, our theme was CONNECT – exploring how we connect with God, our family, our community, and ourselves. It was a challenge, especially as the end of 2023 felt incredibly hard, but as I reflect – I can see the ways that I have grown in my faith, built new relationships, been more intentional with my family, and in how I serve the community. I plan to take all of this forward into this new year, as I strive to honor God and all He has placed in me.

As I get older, I feel that I have more clarity on my why (my purpose) and all the things connected to that (what I like and dislike, my skills and talents, my interests). But not only that – I feel pressed to execute on that – and not in a “meet milestones for work” kind of way, but in a “fully utilize all that I am to the glory of God” kind of way. And so, that is what this next half of my life will be about – whether through marriage, parenting, leading, or serving – connecting the essence of who God has created me to be and pouring that out for His glory. This quote sums it up nicely:

“When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything you gave me’.” – Erma Bombeck

Here’s to making it count – for His glory!

Until next time- be encouraged! Peace and blessings!