Reading and running share one magical quality.
While they may seem like polar opposites, they can both work wonders for our happiness and wellbeing.
On my 24 in 2024 set list, I put reading close to the top. The common thread in my bucket list is to do things that bring me joy. Simple, plain carefree happiness. I want this year to be all about doing the things that make me happy, and spending time with genuine, down to earth good people.
I have to tell you: 2023 was a heavy year. I wasted too much time being frustrated, angry, disappointed and sad.
Reading has always been one of favourite ways to pass the time. At an early age, I discovered the magic and power of reading, which ultimately saved me from a hillbilly life filled with drama, poverty and addiction. But in recent years, I haven’t been reading that much. In fact it has been embarrassing low – last year I read less than 20 books.
Reading goals
This year I am determined to gain back that title of “big reader.” To begin with, I joined a slow read book club of War & Peace by Leo Tolstoy. I read this classic when I was a teenager so I am curious to see how I react as an adult. I have remained the same but the book has not changed.
We’re 17 days into the challenge and it has been painfully slow. The goal is to read one chapter a day for the entirety of 2024. The chapters are short so it’s hard to stop after the assigned chapter. Thankfully I have a couple friends who also joined the chapter so we can chat about how painfully slow it is. There’s a chat group as well, which can get a little bit too academic for me. (I have up analyzing literature after university.)
In addition to War & Peace, I will read another 24 books. Tonight I will finished my third book in 2024. The unpredictable winter weather in Alberta has made it incredibly easy to stay in bed and read for hours.
Running and reading, two peas in a pod
Just as running helps to build physical endurance, reading exercises the mind and helps to keep the brain sharp. I believe both activities can be therapeutic as they allow us to escape from the stresses of everyday life.
What are you reading?
Do you like to read novels too? Do you read physical books or on a Kindle? I would love to hear from you in the comments below. Also send me your book recommendations.