Other People's Opinions, Books & Change

True story. I asked my dad why he doesn’t read books for entertainment. His answer was that he didn’t really feel the need anymore to learn anyone’s opinion, or live in someone else’s shoes. He’s fine with his, he doesn’t need anyone else’s. Seriously, he said that. There’s no arguing with a 78 year old man who refuses to read (and my dad is a pretty well read guy overall, and very intelligent, but apparently in his twilight years he’s decided the whole thing is overrated.) I don’t have to worry about him arguing with me about my characterization of him, because we know he’s not going to read this blog.

Reading though, and the concept of curling up with a book, found it’s way repeatedly into the three different hygge books I’ve recently read. The joy of reading, the relaxation of reading…the stimulus, the empowerment. It can be very nurturing I guess, which is why it seemed to make it’s way into the “find a nook and read on a rainy afternoon, with candles and fire burning” hygge visual again and again. It is a good reminder though, how great reading is, and how nice it is to make time in your schedule for it. How comforting it can be. I’ve gone thru periods in the last ten years where I read constantly, and others when I could barely find a minute to do it without falling asleep. I will say though, it’s something of a habit that I find I fall into and then get addicted, but then fall out of and easily forget how great it is in the chaos of everyday life. Hence, why we made it today’s March restore and renew tip. Try to throw a little reading into your schedule because it’s restorative, AND helps you grow. Double whammy of good.

While I think other people’s opinions aren’t always good, and sometimes you really don’t need them, I’ll stand apart from my Dad’s assertion that you don’t need any. Other people’s opinions, stories, lives, and “words” are just that…other people’s, but it can ground   you, educate you, encourage, inspire, and relax you just to read them. So I say go out and buy a new book. I just bought my new one and it’s “Fates and Furies” by Lauren Groff…can’t wait to get all up in up in it, nestled in a nook, with a cashmere blanket on my lap and favorite tea at the ready.

Reading can change you, and change is good. It’s refreshing and invigorating…it’s almost Spring and we need it. Bring it on!

I think I might start with this Prairie denim dress that I have my eye on….I think this would be a fun wardrobe change to add to my mix!  Wouldn't this be cute with some simple Tory Burch flats (how about red please) and a sweater thrown over my shoulders?

Signed, ME {lv}

Comments

[Martha Harvell Kiczkowski]

Well.....your father is reading this and so am I.......