Sometimes we feel anxiety when we read. This feeling usually shows up when we don’t understand what we’re reading or aren’t keeping up with an arbitrary goal—like reading 100 books a year because some YouTuber said it was a good idea. Let me be clear: reading should never cause you anxiety. Consider the difference betweenContinue reading Does Reading Give You Anxiety?
My morning started off less than stellar. I had to read a 30-page business contract (stressful), redline it for changes (boring), and then send it back to attorneys for an update. My brain is fried and it’s only 9:30 in the morning (shocker). Reading deeply was not in the cards. Normally I would start myContinue reading Do This Before Reading Deeply
Let’s pretend, for a moment, that every time you finish a book, you apply at least one idea from its pages to your life. I’m not talking about remembering a concept, sharing what you learned with friends in a book club, or teaching a class on the ideas – I’m talking about making a real,Continue reading Apply One Idea from a Book
It’s morning now. I’ve just turned on my espresso machine and I’m holding Sophie’s World in my hands. The air is cooling down outside, just a little, and I can feel that fall tingle on my skin. There’s something great about starting the day with coffee and a book. It’s nice having a ritual thatContinue reading Coffee & A Great Book
If you’re retired, you can skip today’s message. For the rest of us, read on. It’s Monday. Love it or leave it, today is the start of a new work week. It’s easy to feel “too busy” for the things we love, especially reading. When the boss is knocking with deadlines and customer complaints, theContinue reading Before a Busy Week Starts
I’ve survived another long vacation and I’m mentally discombobulated. Yep, I’m using that word today. We went to New Orleans for a jazz crawl. I’m not sure if that’s what you call it, but “bar crawl” is a thing, so why not have a jazz crawl? You may not know this about me, but inContinue reading Restoring My Morning Reading Ritual
I’ve been working hard to free up some mental space, and I didn’t realize just how mentally, emotionally, and physically tired I was. It’s strange, but we’re like sticky tumbleweeds rolling along, picking up everything we touch. We carry that stuff with us all day, every day. Eventually, we get so bogged down with worry,Continue reading Free Up Mental Space (A Stoic Trick)
I’m a bit emotional right now. I love bookstores. I’m getting ready to open one, but this post isn’t about that. This post is about a world where we only buy books from Amazon because it’s $4 cheaper and so darn convenient. I no longer have to go through the effort of getting into myContinue reading Imagine a World Without Bookstores
I’ve been away from my desk. If you must know, I’ve been surfing in O’ahu with my family. It was a great vacation, and now I’m back, jet-lagged and happy to see my reading room. When I packed for the trip, I wanted to fill my bag with several books to study during my downtimeContinue reading I STOPPED READING BOOKS (FOR 7 DAYS)
I’m overwhelmed when I stand in front of my bookshelf. Not because I don’t know what to read, but because I get to pick. I have the freedom to choose whatever book I want. I know that’s a small thing, but is it? Let’s discuss. First, there’s the liberty and freedom our brave service menContinue reading The Freedom to Read