“Maybe this is why we read, and why in moments of darkness we return to books: to find words for what we already know.” ―

It was my cousin, Julia, who got me interested in reading more books. One night she was reading and laughing her heart out. I was puzzled and curious about her reaction. “Hey, Jules, what’s so funny about that book?”- I enquired. “Try and learn for yourself!?!” – she replied while still giggling. It was a challenge! But I got incredibly interested in that book that I completely forgot how seriously I hated any kind of books at that point!

And then I’ve read another book, and another one, and then, another one… Until one day I ran out of books at my parent’s house. I was eight years old. With each book opened I’d dive into the new found world of the author seeing and feeling his soul splashing out from the pages. New thoughts and discoveries and revelations. Priceless lessons are streaming through time and space. The more I’d thumb through, the more I wanted for that book to carry on forever. An exciting endless journey.

I cannot imagine a week without consuming at least two books. How? Let me share.

How Reading More Changes Your Life for the Better

1. Quality time

Everything takes time. Find at least 20 to 30 mins a day and dedicate it to reading. Nothing else. Just you and your book.

2. Enjoy

Read with pleasure. In fact, anything that you do, do it with pleasure. Make it a habit. Make notes and remarks. Use quotes you found appealing for your daily inspiration. Enjoy reading.

3. Share

To make your reading and learning experience even more fun – share your thoughts with friends.

Once I had a friendly competition with my cousin. We were reading about 4-5 books a month. I never failed to share my experience and that made it so much more fun and made me want to read even more.

4. New Healthy habit

Make a tick in you list of healthy habits because “reading more” is definitely one of them! Salute and applause!

5. Not a chore

Remember, what feels like a chore has no place for pleasure whatsoever. You don’t want that. So re-read #2 again.

6. Bored till you snore?! Then let it go…

“Life is too short to read books that I’m not enjoying.” ― Melissa Marr

If you get bored easily, then why to waste precious time on struggles with reading this particular book? Let it go and move on! The next book will be better.

7. Forget the speed

Who cares about the speed you are reading at?! You are not taking any exams in speed reading, are you?! There is no rush. Read with your own natural path. Read with pleasure. And make sure that you pay extra attention to every single bit of it.

8. Explore more

There is an unimaginable world of reading out there waiting for you to explore more and more. Make lists of desirable books to read this year and carry on! Do a great job in exploring!

Read with pleasure. Read more!

first published Jan 6, 2012

