Read What You Love: Giving Yourself Permission to Enjoy Books Again

How I Stopped Treating Reading Like a Chore and Rediscovered the Joy of Stories

For years, I treated books like homework. If they weren’t deep, educational, or hailed as life-changing by Oprah herself, they weren’t worth my time.

Every book had to mean something, teach me something, or help me grow. Looking back, I have no idea why I thought reading had to be a struggle.

Was it ingrained in me? Maybe it was the little voice in my head that sounded suspiciously like my mother telling me that fun was frivolous.

Enjoying myself should only come after all the work is done.

But here’s the thing: the work is never done.

Love Lost and Then Regained

As a child, I was a big reader. Yet even then, I chose books based on what I thought I should read.

I’d check out heavy, serious books, start them, and never finish.

What books did I really want to read? The ones about old Hollywood and the golden age of film. Yep, I devoured those.

My dad, who was older when I came along, knew oodles about classic movies, and talking to him about the old stars and the studio system was a joy.

On the other hand, my mom thought all of that was a waste of time. To her, it was better to have cobwebs in your brain than in the house.

Unfortunately, that mindset stuck with me for far too long. As I grew older and had my own family, I worked harder on the household cobwebs than on the ones that may form in my mind.

It wasn’t right for me to enjoy things until everything else was taken care of. Reading became something I only did at bedtime. That is, if I could keep my weary eyes open.

Over time, it became a habit to not do the things I loved.

The Book That Changed It All

Exactly when it happened is a blur, but one day, I decided I was done with this balderdash. I was going to read what I darn well wanted. Plus, I was gonna do it for the sheer joy of it.

Yep, I grabbed a cozy mystery. It was light and fun, and I let myself sink into it guilt-free. It was delicious.

Reading at a fast pace, letting myself get lost in a story, and feeling my brain light up with delight was like rediscovering an old friend.

It reminded me that reading isn’t only about learning or self-improvement. It’s about pleasure, escape, and the pure, simple joy of a good story.

Give Yourself Permission to Enjoy

So here’s what I want to tell you: Don’t be like me.

Don’t spend years denying yourself the things you love because you think they aren’t productive or “worthy” enough.

If you love books others call “fluff,” read ’em anyway. If you enjoy movies that aren’t critically acclaimed, watch them anyway.

Work hard. Love your family. Be a responsible person. But don’t forget to carve out time for you.

And when you do? Wallow in that joy. No guilt allowed.

What’s something you used to love but have put on the back burner?

Whelp, maybe it’s time to bring it back.