This Week's Topic
My Motivation
Happy Friday! Today, I am hitching my wagon to Let's Talk Bookish. I don't think I ever sat down and thought about what motivates me to read, I kind of just do it. Thinking about it, there must be some driving force, right?
I am going to start by twisting the topic and speaking first about what motivates me to read.
- Escape - I love the opportunity to check out and live in a different world for a bit. Things may be better or worse than they are here, but the whole point is that I am not in my here and now. Sometimes, that chance to shut myself off is vital for me.
- Entertainment - Since I read mostly library book and digital ARCs, reading is a very affordable way to entertain myself. I also spend a lot of time alone, and reading does not require any other people for me to enjoy it. I like how portable it is, too. I can read anywhere, any time.
Let's talk about how I motivate myself to open that book and focus on reading. I really don't have to. This was something I may have experienced when faced with mandatory reading, but as a pleasure reader, I look forward to some quiet time with my book. During the week, my reading blocks are clearly defined. I read before work, during my commute both ways, and before bed to unwind. On the weekend, I can usually sneak in some time during the day while still reading in the morning and evening.
I am often driven to sneak in a little time, here and there. The Kindle reading app on my phone has been a great way to read a chapter or two while suffering though a social event. I also always have my kindle with my, allowing me to read a bit while waiting places.
I will forever love audiobooks for permitting me to multitask. I can listen to an audiobook while I drive, clean, shop, or do many other things. I can usually finish an extra book or two a week because of audiobooks, and they are also great for when I am experiencing a great deal of eye fatigue.
Now it's your turn!
What's your reading motivation?
Let us know in the comments!
Let us know in the comments!
"Sometimes, that chance to shut myself off is vital for me."
ReplyDeleteI can absolutely relate. And about motivations...I've never not in the mood for reading either. I've been a reader all my life, and an avid one at that.
*High five* Right? I always want to read.
DeleteI am exactly like you! I also read to open my eyes on certain topics. And I never have to force myself to read a book (except indeed with some mandatory books at school)
ReplyDeleteSo glad we are beyond required reading.
DeleteI feel weird if I don't read at some point during the day. It is just natural for me to pick up a book when I'm on the couch or wherever. As for why I read, I never really thought about it! It's just who I am. It interests me. I am endlessly fascinated by what authors come up with (in fiction) and learning something new (in nonfiction).
ReplyDeleteI seriously cannot think of a day in the past 15 years that I have not read at all. I am quit amazed that people can come up with a whole world, story, and cast of characters. I don't have that sort of talent, or the drive to research hard enough to do non-fiction.
DeleteI have become so conditioned that reading is literally just part of my daily schedule. I read in the bath, because who doesn't love multi-tasking, and I also read before bed to wind down. I think my initial motivation was entertainment but now it truly is just a way of life. Now, finding time to blog is a whole different story, one of which I have not found a good solution for. Hopefully I can catch up in the summer, because there just are not enough hours in the day! (You know what else I wish I could condition myself to like? Exercise. I need help with that!)
ReplyDeleteI love that you all are my people - reading is a way of life! Agreed!
DeleteI agree with all you have said, Sam. Since I was a little girl, I have been a reader and it is something that I enjoy. Required reading, like when I was in university, was hit or miss depending on what I was reading and if it interested me. Being retired and living alone, I don't have to block off reading time, I just read whenever I don't have people over or going places.
ReplyDeleteI am like you on the weekend. I do all the things that need to be done, but will pick up my book whenever I can during the day.
DeleteI've been reading for so much of my life that I think it's just part of the schedule now. It feels weird when I miss a day. It's cheap entertainment, and it teaches me stuff. I've never really thought about why I do it.
ReplyDeleteSame, AJ. Learning is a great extra we get from reading, and I agree, cheap entertainment when you have library access or good used book stores nearby.
DeleteEscape and entertainment - yes, that's what books do without you even trying to enjoy them. Somehow I can't think of a third reason unless you count boredom as a motivation. Your life is never going to as exciting as books so why not read? I suppose if you're reading for pleasure, you don't need motivation.
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely day.
I do read a lot of slice of life books, but yes, books are always more exciting than real life for sure.
DeleteA very existential discussion topic! I don't recall ever thinking much about WHY I read; I just know that I have to.
ReplyDeleteLike breathing, right?
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