♦ Reading ♦ Writing ♦ Doodling ♦ Listening
♦ Thinking ♦ Learning ♦ Sleeping on it ♦ Discussion
In my life, these go hand-in-hand, but sometimes their place in the queue changes.
Maybe it’s my DNA. Maybe it’s my upbringing. Maybe it’s my short focus and eagerness for something new, but I get really excited about this list.My upbringing partially explains the love of reading and the doodling habit. In this I follow in my mother’s footprints–just ask my kids and grandkids.
- “When I finish this, we’ll sit down together and read a few books.”
- “You need to sit quietly, so we’ll take colored pencils, paper, and books.”
- “You’re bored? Where’s your book?”
- “If you keep this up, you can just give me your books for the rest of the evening.”
Reading. Writing. Doodling. Listening. Thinking. Learning. Sleep on it. Discussion.
All of these are forms of entertainment in which you learn things by osmosis. To be really honest, you’d have to take writing out of that list—it’s hard work, not much osmosis to it. But somehow I just need to write down what I’ve learned and share it with others.Here are some facts about reading that might make you head toward a bookcase.
- Reading makes you a better conversationalist.
For example: “Riding camels are usually females. The males are used as pack animals.” “Really? How do you know that?” “I read it somewhere…” - Reading is a quiet activity unless you are prone to bursts of laughter or loud sobs. Neighbors will never complain that your book is too loud.
- It’s amazing how much you can learn while you’re enjoying a fast-moving spy thriller, an historical romance novel, or some amusing poetry by Shel Silverstein.
- The heavier the book, the more exercise you can get while reading. And it is possible to read while you walk when the book is to good to put down. If I can do it, anyone can.
- Pocket books have stopped bullets. I don’t have any data on Kindles, but it’s possible that reading could save your life.
- Dinosaurs didn’t read and look what happened to them.
If you haven’t yet discovered your fondness-for-reading gene, think about something that you do like. Cars? Shore birds? Fishing? Politics? Once you figure out your favorite subject, focus on it. There’s oodles to read on just about any subject, and when it’s something that interests you, you’ll enjoy finding out more and more and more.
Kathleen S Evenhouse 