A No for the New Year

We’re already half way through January and I’ve been missing, but for good reasons.

We had a busy, fun-filled holiday with beloved friends coming to visit from near and far. It was a wonderful whirlwind, but I did remember to pause and look around to remember these moments with those I love.

But now it’s a new year and so far, not so good. I’m sure many of you feel the same.

I like this quote:

I don’t need a New Year’s resolution. It’s the year’s turn to be better.

But, wait, this is Book Barmy not CNN, so I’ll stop and focus on reading and books.

Many of the book folks I follow set reading goals for the new year, and happily recount the number of books they read last year. Am I in this crowd? In a word, no.

The other evening, when I perused my shelves, and contemplated the number of unread books– I don’t mind telling you I felt a bit of pressure there — but I caught myself and said no.

I never want to feel anxiety about my books or my reading – In a word, no.

I decided to change my mind set.

These are not books I must read, this is not a To Be Read situation. I’m too old to have reading assignments. No, my unread books are merely possibilities. My shelves are filled with choices, stories for escape, tales of adventure, and candidates for learning something new.

So in a word, no.

No reading goals, no new year resolutions, no pressure to read as an accomplishment.

My mood will guide my reading this year. If I’m feeling like murdering someone – I have my mystery and crime shelf. If I am in need of comfort – there are plenty of unread books by my favorite comfort authors. When I need adventure – I have a travel books. When I want to escape current reality, I have Jane Austen. And sometimes, I’ll just catch up on my New Yorker magazine stack.

I’m going to read whatever I want, when I want.

I hope we’ll all consider alleviating pressure on ourselves in this new year.

Be gentle with yourselves, give yourselves a break. Life is tough enough as it is.

Thus endeth my Ted Talk – thanks for listening.