At the beginning of 2023, I set a goal of reading one book a month. To achieve this goal I would set aside time each day to read. I will also create a list of books I want to read and purchase them in advance. Finally, I will track my progress in a journal.
I have been amazed at how many books I have read in 2023. It has really helped me to be at peace in a world filled with chaos. Depending on the size of the book I could read two in one month. Some of these books have inspired my blogs, my weekly affirmations, and my life's journey. I shared the names of some of these books with others.
As a little girl, I loved to read. It was my escape from the world. From Nancy Drew to Toni Morrison, Shakespeare, I read it. Two of my favorites as a child were The Autobiography of Fredrick Douglas and To Kill a Mockingbird, by Harper Lee.
Tonight, I felt like escaping from the world, so I finished reading "All About Love", by Bell Hooks. This book I saw on a post by Alicia Keys and President Obama's reading list.
I needed a couple of hours this evening to unpack the events of the last couple of months. Listening to Smooth Jazz on Pandora and reading with candlelight in the background. It was the perfect fall night to just unwind.
A quote in the book that stands out for me is from James Baldwin. This quote is from his collection of essays called "The Fire Next Time". The quote is this: "I do not mean to be sentimental about suffering - but people who cannot suffer can never grow up, and can never discover who they are." He was speaking of suffering during the healing process. For me, it all makes sense that we suffer to deal with our healing so we can come out strong on the other side.
As I continue on my life's journey, I am grateful for the way I have chosen to heal, protect my peace, and be happy. What are you doing to help your healing process?