Finding Joy in Reading Again During Tough Times

I’ve always been a book junkie.  I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember.  It’s been an outlet for me, and a place to find comfort.  During stressful times, it’s my escape, and how I distance myself from reality.  I think it’s important to disconnect from the world for a bit and instead, immerse yourself into a story.  It’s truly amazing the effect reading has on you.  

Lately, I’ve been putting it off though.  For some reason, I just can’t get myself into that mindset.  Everything has been a distraction for me.  I’ve been having a hard time paying attention to things.  It’s probably because I’ve been experiencing a rather heavy depressive episode, but regardless, it feels like a little bit of joy has been taken away from me.  

It’s been difficult to do anything because my mind is too occupied by racing thoughts.  I haven’t really been able to concentrate on anything other than blogging.  Don’t get me wrong, it’s my passion, but sometimes I miss doing other things that bring me joy.  The little things like taking a walk, watching a movie, and of course, reading. 

I go through spurts of inspiration and creativity, but sometimes it’s overshadowed by my depression.  I can’t tell you have many books I’ve bought recently that are just sitting on my desk gathering dust.  I have a couple of series that I want to get to, along with a few self-help books.  I want more than anything to get back into the swing of things, but it’s been really hard to get to that mindset. 

When I read, I become fully absorbed in it.  Perhaps I’m also putting it off because it requires too much of my attention.  The thing is that with me, my interests turn into obsessions, and I only have the capacity to focus on one thing at time.  Reading requires a lot of time and dedication, so I think I’ve been neglecting it because I’m too heavily involved with other interests.  

Still, I’m hopeful.  I know that this slump won’t last forever, and that the spark will return.  It always does.  And when that happens, I’ll be ready to lose myself in the pages again.  

“Books are uniquely portable magic.”

Stephen King