Reading is a Good Friend
by Irwin Lengel
(Florida)
Why do we cling to so many bad or maybe bad is too harsh a word – let’s say, unproductive habits.
Not too long ago I read an article utilizing the following quote: “So many books, so little time.” – Frank Vincent Zappa
The gist of the article was that “We are what we read!” I know of many individuals in our community that just love to read and have no problem just picking up a book and wrapping themselves up in it for hours on end.
While I can truthfully say that I have never spent hours on end just wrapped up in a book, I do enjoy reading and keep blaming our daily social life as the reason I do not read as much as I would like to.
Fact of the matter is though that we all are given the same 24 hours a day to use as we see fit. So, I have no one to blame but myself for not reading more than I do. I must admit, I tend to cling to my obsession with the television set as we do have several shows we just love to sit and watch. Fact is, were I to isolate some time from my so-called busy schedule, (you know, like giving up a show or two) I could have time to read.
It is all a matter of how we want to spend our time. I truly do enjoy reading and I should not allow my crazy mixed-up schedule rob me of the joy derived from reading books.
Reading, whether fiction, non-fiction, or just staying current with the news, does serve a purpose in our life.
Reading can improve our education (think “Self-help or How- to” books). Mysteries (one of my favorites) allow me to escape from reality and I allow myself to get so caught up in the story I feel as though I am there instead of just sitting in a comfy chair forgetting about many of the things I probably should be doing but will still be there tomorrow or the next day.
Take travelling for instance, if we are neither financially nor physically capable – one can still enjoy what other countries have to offer just by reading about them and then picturing ourselves in that particular atmosphere/environment. Is it the same? No. But for one brief moment in time, we have escaped from our daily routine. So much can be obtained out of the simple pleasure of reading a book.
Look upon reading a book as isolating yourself in a room with a good friend – one you are willing to spend some time with knowing that you enjoy their company and are looking forward to the time you will be spending together. A plan I intend to cling to for the entire year of 2017!
