My challenge this week was to read an entire book. Seems like a simple task right? Apparently not because it didn’t happen.
The problem isn’t that I don’t read. In fact, I think the problem is that I read too much. Between magazine subscriptions, other blogs, and research on jumping into the world of published writing, novels don’t seem to get priority. Add to the mix parenting, writing, working out, and sleeping, well, there just aren’t enough hours in the day.
Two of my readers recommended Olive Kitteridge by Elizabeth Strout, and because it was already sitting on my nightstand waiting to be opened, I chose that for my challenge. I’m more than halfway through it, and I’m hoping to finish it by the end of the weekend. So I almost reached my goal. One book in 8 days is pretty impressive in my world! (And it’s a great book by the way. I highly recommend it.)
On a deeper level, this challenge illustrated the importance of establishing priorities in my life. Is reading a good novel a priority? Not as much as feeding my children or bathing every day, but it’s a priority nonetheless. I find it relaxing, and in our busy lives, it’s important to pencil some relaxation into our bustling schedules. Is it feasible to trade 30 minutes on the computer for 30 minutes of quiet reading time? Absolutely. Should I spend more time on writing I hope to get published and less time on blogging? Probably. Should I skip American Idol to mop my floors? Let’s not go overboard.
What things would you like to prioritize in your life?
haha definitely don't go overboard with the floor mopping!
I am horrible about reading online vs a book. I need to make it a point to read each day. I really enjoy it so not sure what my issue is.
I have loved books since I was a child – I would strain my eyes after lights out reading in the dark. Despite there being so many media forms today I still love to read books and always read before I go to sleep at night. I find reading relaxes me and diverts my thoughts away from thinking about to do lists and what has happened during the day etc so then I can fall asleep much more easily. Glad you like Olive Kitteridge!
As for priorities for me this year number one is to do something that is about me. After three years I need to get my brain working again and do something that isn't just about every day life as a SAHM. Starting my blog is one step in that direction but I still need to do a little more. My husband has worked some really long hours for the past six months or so, including most weekends so my other priorities this year are to spend more time with him (not so easy with no family here in the US) and start going to yoga again which I have not done since December. I think that's enough for one year to try and achieve!
After a crazy stressful year in 2009- my priorities are to create order in our life and to spend more time doing the things that I love. So I have been organizing, organizing, and organizing some more- I feel more at peace when the clutter is gone… After all- a happy mamma = a happy family.