Reading – one of my true loves

As a child, I didn’t enjoy reading. All I wanted was to be outside with my friends, playing games. I never slept in the afternoon, but if someone made me read, I would fall asleep after just two pages. Another reason why I didn’t like it.

I also hated sleeping. I didn’t see any point in it — it felt like a waste of time.

However, when I was around 15 and started my first job at a pet store, I began to feel bored from time to time. I asked my mother (she loves reading) to give me a book — something romantic and interesting. I am very romantic.

She was surprised, of course, but gave me one. I don’t remember the name, but I started reading it whenever there were no clients in the store.

I fell in love with it.

I finished it quickly and immediately asked for another one. That’s how it all started.

At first, I was reading her type of books — crime, romance, mystery. Then, when I was around 17, I shifted to books that open your mind — books that teach you how to cope with life and get what you want.

Now, I read whatever I feel like. For a long time, I read mostly psychology books, but now I’m in love with fantasy.

I love the smell of books. I love holding them, even hugging them — they make me so happy. Even though I enjoy buying books and filling my shelves, I decided to get an e-reader because I ran out of space. At first, I hated the idea, but now I actually enjoy it.

Right now, I’m reading books by Sarah J. Maas, and I’m over the moon. I love the way she builds worlds, describes emotions, and makes me believe in every character’s story. Since January, I’ve read 8 books and I’m currently in the middle of my ninth. I wish I could spend all day and night just reading.

The characters in these fantasy books make me reflect on myself. I’m not sure exactly how they’ve influenced me, but I often compare their struggles to my own.

It might sound ridiculous — I’ve never been in a dungeon or tortured — but I have felt lonely, lost, heartbroken. I’ve had moments when I didn’t want to do anything, when I felt like I wasn’t enough.

But lately, I see a change.

I’m starting to focus more on my strengths, to accept myself, and to love who I am.

If books have ever made your world feel softer and wider:

→ The Power of Soft, Simple Moments  

→ Sunday with my bees