Sunday, November 29, 2015

Taking Time to Read



A few weeks ago, I participated in a craft fair at the high school I graduated from – a long time ago. I had a table set up where I displayed my four Malone mysteries, signing and selling them. I very much appreciate those readers who bought them. But, I got the following responses from several people. Words I, and probably every other author in the world, has heard many times.
“I used to love to read but I don’t have time now.”
“I’m in school and all of my reading is text books.”
“I have three young children and no time to read.”
“My job is so demanding. I don’t have time to read.”
Which presented me with the topic for this week’s post: Taking Time to Read.

Here’s a plain and simple fact: We can’t “make” more time. We all have the same twenty-four hours in each of our days and, I will grant you, how we spend those hours is largely dictated by our responsibilities. Life is complicated and demanding for most of us. We need to take care of business first but we also need to take time to do the things we enjoy. All work and no play. . . .  For me and many others, that includes reading in the genre of our choosing.

So, I’ve presented the problem: we’re all busy. Since I believe in focusing on solutions, rather than problems, here are a few suggestions for those of you who want to read but believe you don’t have the time.
1.    Waiting time can be reading time. All of us occasionally go to the doctor and the dentist, places where we usually have to wait. Instead of idly thumbing through a magazine or sitting there tapping your foot, why not bring a book with you?
2.    Schedule time to read into your day. Most of us have a schedule to keep and we somehow manage to do that. What if we included reading time in our schedules?
3.    Soaking in the tub is relaxing and therapeutic. Why not read while you soak?
4.    Turn off the TV at a designated time every evening – and use that time to read.
5.    Another TV option is turning it off when you find yourself flipping through the channels with nothing good to watch. Instead of spending your time that way, you could be reading.
Until next week, Happy Reading!

8 comments:

  1. Excellent suggestions! However, I do find time to read--almost every afternoon. I cannot imagine not reading.

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    1. I'm the same way, Pat. I find time to read every day too but, I have to admit that, for the past few days, I've been busy every minute packing my mother's stuff and mine and, by the time evening comes, I'm too exhausted to think much less read. For the first time in a long time, I haven't picked up a book. That shall change very soon! We move tomorrow!
      I wrote this post a couple of weeks ago. Ironic that it's up now. LOL

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  2. I also can't imagine not reading. I do bring something to read at the dentist/doctor etc--otherwise I'd be stuck with 10-yer-old National Geographics (don't they ever throw those things out?)

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  3. I used to read during my lunch hour and on my breaks at work. Sitting in the shade on a warm day always worked for me. Wonderful post, Pat! I need to make more time to read.
    Marja McGraw

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    1. Thanks, Marja! Like me, you're in the process of moving. I'm sure that, when you get settled in, you'll make up for lost reading time. I know I plan to. :)

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  4. I make time to read before I go to sleep at night. Which means, I get in bed a little earlier, and read until I'm too tired to keep my eyes open. I've been doing that for years. Sometimes it takes me quite a while before I finish a book, but I can't imagine going to sleep without reading..

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    1. That's what I do too, Evelyn. Maybe, one of these days, I'll have more reading time. I hope so.

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