Last week’s the response to the new Why Not . . .? series was exhilarating. Each of us has a connection to reading that is uniquely our own.  Each of us was introduced to it in a different way, but the gift of what books, well-written essays and thought-provoking articles provide is that once we read it, once we absorb and digest what we have just read, no one can take that knowledge away from us. No one.

On that note, I’d like to continue to share five more benefits of choosing to regularly include reading in each of our lives.  The freedom this choice provides is nothing short of astounding.

Jump Start Creativity

The source of inspiration is only a page turn away. Feel free to grab a pen or a highlighter, your favorite notebook or post-its and dive into a new or trustworthy old book to spark your imagination.  I still regularly seek out Mireille Guiliano’s advice on how to live with a bit more French style and grace, as well as Morrie Schwartz’s guidance in Tuesday’s with Morrie. Whenever a feeling of ambiguity or uncertainty arises, just know that by surrounding yourself with books and having them at your fingertips to read, you are never alone and can always find the answer you didn’t know you were looking for.

Open Your Mind – Increase Understanding

By choosing to be a reader, each of us at that very acceptance is acknowledging that there is more to learn in this vast and diverse world and that we don’t, in fact, know everything.  Each reader in taking on this responsibility is daring to admit that there are many different ways to live life, perceive life and still thoroughly revel in it.

Takes You Away

At the end of a trying day, nothing takes me out of my world quicker and at the same time adds more value to my life than picking up a captivating piece of fiction.  I describe it as preventative medicine to cure the common daily frustrations and am always sure to have reading material at the ready whether I am at home, traveling or waiting in line.

Primed For A Conversation

One of the simplest ways to bolster confidence before attending any social function is to have intelligent repartee to engage others in. There is nothing more intriguing than to have a conversation with someone who can teach their listeners something or spark a higher level debate. When another analysis of the weather just won’t cut it anymore, why not jump start a passionate conversation about significant topics or recent current events?

Eliminate Boredom

It can happen while sitting in a waiting room for a regular check-up, waiting to pick up someone at the airport or being unexpectedly delayed due to a lay-over during a vacation or business trip. Such situations when you’d rather be on the move or checking something off your to-do list are perfect for taking out a book, picking up the local newspaper or purchasing a magazine and enjoying this time you are able to just read.  In fact, you might come to look forward to such moments as you are forced to slow down and have a few minutes uninterrupted.

The opportunities reading provides us all and the opportunities to squeeze in even more reading during our already busy days are everywhere if we choose to seek them out.  I encourage you to always look for even the smallest opportunity to pull out your book from your fabulous tote and get lost, if only for five minutes, in something that adds value and more pleasure to your life. Click here to read the third and final post in this series.

{And if you’d like to read Part One, click here.)