Bookworm

I suppose I got my love of reading from my mum who always loved a good book.  Mum was a devout reader from as early as I can remember, and so over my formative years I also became a bit of a bookworm.

During my childhood I often picked up novels that mum or my sister Glenda had already read, and was rarely in a position, money wise to actually buy a book for myself although I sometimes received a book as a birthday or Christmas present.  Reading was always a personal treat whereby I could escape my life and immerse myself in the story.

I’ve always used my “mind’s eye” to create imagery with the stories and so whether they be fiction or non-fiction-based books I could almost place myself within the story as a character, observer or narrator.  A sort of out of body experience to a degree I suppose and escapism for sure.  To this day I continue to be a bookworm and often have a couple of books on the go at any one time.

If you were to look at my office space today, you’ll see a wall of books which I’ve read, and often re-read over the years.  In fact, one of my favourite pastimes is to explore bookshops whenever I see one, irrespective of where I am in the world or what language they may speak.

So, I suppose my adventurous spirit also extends to exploring bookshops whenever I have the opportunity.

Whenever I’m in a bookstore I’ll pick up a book and leaf through it and begin reading, if it’s captured my imagination within a page or two then I’ll generally buy it and take it with me to savour later.   Such a good feeling to know that there is a good book waiting for me…

The beauty of being a bookworm is that you also get the opportunity pass this on to your kids.  I still have fond memories of reading stories at night to the kids up until they were teens.  I loved the early years when they were little, cos after a bath and teeth brushing, they run into either one of their rooms and choose a book.

There I’d be in the middle of the bed with both of them under the covers and snuggled into me listening intently until they fell asleep.  No better feeling for a dad!

Then I would gently lift the one out of bed and take them to their room and put them under the covers, snuggling for a moment to get them settled once again before a goodnight kiss on the forehead and tucking them in.

Instilling a love of books and reading on them was unconscious but fortunately for me they both, to this day love reading and a good story.  Some might say the apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree – so glad in this case!

Today, they both have master’s degrees, including two for Zach as he continues to pursue his Ph.D for History.   He reads between one and two books per week, and I mean the book he reads is not for the faint of heart as they are generally large and complex works for research purposes.

His ability to read quickly, understand and synthesize large volumes of information is incredible, maybe it’s his generation (he’s 26) but he has serious skills in this area.  Sam reads more for entertainment purposes, but like me always has a couple of books on the go at any one time.

Clearly a huge win-win for any parent when you foster reading in the home… 

Being a bookworm in reality is the tip of the iceberg as it also instils and fosters a love of learning and nourishes curiosity.  Even when I’m driving, I love to listen to books on tape, I guess that’s why I love long drives and road trips.  It’s just another way for me to surround myself with new ideas, concepts and differing points of view.

Another advantage of being a bookworm is that helps broaden your view of the world and perspective on things.  Along with boosting your imagination and creativity I believe it also helps sharpen the mind and at times somewhat meditative in nature.  Personally, I find it relaxing to read a good book and so helps slow my heart rate and calm a mind that sometimes has lots going on within it.

Unlike many habits, being a bookworm continues to grow and evolve with you over the course of your life thus opening up new avenues of thought and curiosity.  Each of which we need to build a life full of promise and growth.  I can certainly think of much worse habits to take on as a child and nurture throughout your life.

Take a moment to self-reflect – when was the last time you sat quietly and just read a book for the fun of it?  Might be worth giving it a go and see where it takes you…

Until next week

Ciao!