You know sometimes how you learn a lesson once and think you're done? I've got to quit thinking that. For some reason, I need to learn my lessons 4, 5 or 6 times before they really sink in.
Take, for example, reading. I know I need to be reading. It's good for my head. I've stopped every once in awhile, either consciously or unconsciously (like when I was busy with school or other things), and it's never turned out well.
February has been a hard month. Nothing major, just a hard month. January was a hard month, what with the living at a hotel and worrying about my dad's health. Somewhere along the line, I stopped reading novels.
That's a bad idea for me. It makes the gerbils running the wheel in my head very unhappy.
I was reading other things. I read a few chapters of Gorgeously Green. I read Father Brown short-story mysteries. I read lots of articles in the Financial Times about how the world economy is unraveling (not sure if that helped me be informed or just fed the Spiral-of-Doom). I started several other books, off-and-on.
Despite the February book challenge, though, I had only finished one novel during the month of February until this week. (Don't worry, I'll donate to the American Heart Association more than that $5.)
It turns out that I had to admit again that I'm a happy-ending junkie. Plus, I need the escapism and exercise of the imagination that a fiction novel provides. (I may be stressed, but at least I'm not being chased by marauding pirates, right?)
So, I've learned my lesson again. I'm getting back into the swing of things. I'm finishing reading my third romance novel of the week today. Yes, they can be brain candy and I shouldn't read an exclusive "diet" of them, but they do provide that immediate happy-ending fix. So far, they're straightening out my head. Next week, it's back to The Secret Garden and other books that I'll preview, review and discuss here.
Lesson learned -- again.
Take, for example, reading. I know I need to be reading. It's good for my head. I've stopped every once in awhile, either consciously or unconsciously (like when I was busy with school or other things), and it's never turned out well.
February has been a hard month. Nothing major, just a hard month. January was a hard month, what with the living at a hotel and worrying about my dad's health. Somewhere along the line, I stopped reading novels.
That's a bad idea for me. It makes the gerbils running the wheel in my head very unhappy.
I was reading other things. I read a few chapters of Gorgeously Green. I read Father Brown short-story mysteries. I read lots of articles in the Financial Times about how the world economy is unraveling (not sure if that helped me be informed or just fed the Spiral-of-Doom). I started several other books, off-and-on.
Despite the February book challenge, though, I had only finished one novel during the month of February until this week. (Don't worry, I'll donate to the American Heart Association more than that $5.)
It turns out that I had to admit again that I'm a happy-ending junkie. Plus, I need the escapism and exercise of the imagination that a fiction novel provides. (I may be stressed, but at least I'm not being chased by marauding pirates, right?)
So, I've learned my lesson again. I'm getting back into the swing of things. I'm finishing reading my third romance novel of the week today. Yes, they can be brain candy and I shouldn't read an exclusive "diet" of them, but they do provide that immediate happy-ending fix. So far, they're straightening out my head. Next week, it's back to The Secret Garden and other books that I'll preview, review and discuss here.
Lesson learned -- again.
I always go for light reading and YA when I'm stressed. But reading does help!
ReplyDeleteI must read just like I must breathe. It's part of who I am. It sounds like it's a big part of you. I hope March is a kinder month. {HUGS}
ReplyDeleteEvery now and then I stop reading too, for various, not always known reasons. The more I read the harder it is for me to find something that really appeals and captures my interest. But my favorites are happy endings as well. Thanks for visiting and commenting on my 55. :)
ReplyDeleteI am exactly the same way. I will be missing you tonight at the dinner! Sure you don't wanna drive in?
ReplyDeleteI hope things get better and better for you! Keep the fiction reading going :) It's the best stress reliever I know.
ReplyDelete