Why I Read So Much, and You Should Too
Happy 2017! Yes, this is my first article of the year and I am ashamed ya’ll. I have written so many times and just threw them out because I wasn’t invested. If I am not invested in my writing then I won’t write. That means, if one day I wake up and say “I don’t want to do this anymore”, then I won’t. That’s the good thing about being your own writer, editor, and chief *lol*, you have control of EVERYTHING.
Moving on,
Today I want to talk about why I read and write so much. Everyday I snap passages from a book that I am reading (I’ll link my snapchat name below). I always get questions on how I maintain momentum, or how I even have the stamina to read so much after already having a job that requires a lot of my time. I have one quick answer to that question….
It HELPS ME. Reading has saved my life. Whether it be non-fiction, fiction, the bible or self-help I can always find my peace there. Reading gives me an “out” when I can’t find one. It builds me up, gives me knowledge, encouragement, and hope. Honestly, reading has been the reason that I have changed so much professionally, spiritually, and mentally. Another reason is that I like knowing information (which is probably why I work with data). I don’t trust any information if I didn’t find it myself.
Writing is just a way to get what’s in my mind out on paper. You would be surprised at the things that go on in this head (haha).
Here are some examples of how reading has helped me…….
- It gave me PEACE- I went through a bad phase 2 years ago where my anxiety was the worse it’s ever been. I couldn’t sleep, stay still, or focus. I read, “Battlefield of the Mind” by Joyce Meyers and it calmed me down and gave me the peace I needed.
- It got me a JOB- Prior to graduating from college I was the depressed undergraduate who could’t find a job. I read the book, “Never Eat Alone” by Kieth Ferrazzi and it taught me how to mix and mingle, networking skills, and what to say/not say in interviews. It’s great for people looking to level up, or are looking to find a new job/side projects.
- It taught me how to be OKAY with being VULNERABLE- I just got done reading “Daring Greatly” by Dr. Brene Brown and she talks about the danger of wanting to have control over everything. You can’t always control everything, sometimes that ruins the greatness of a moment or opportunity. Let things happen to you, you will be happy you did.
- It taught me how to DETOX negative people- I read the book “Soul Detox” by Craig Groechel when I didn’t know what to do. I needed to detox from everything so that I could replace the old and damaged me,with something even better. I needed to create space in my life for God to build me up with his blessings. I had to let things and people go. This was one of my greatest and best reads.
- It taught me how to SAVE MONEY- Well actually, I’m still working on this one *lol* but I’ve been reading “Smart Women Finish Rich” by David Bach and when I tell you he drops GEMS, I mean it is truly the best for your financial needs.
- It taught me that being a Alpha Woman is OKAY- Moving forward in my career people started taking notice of how dominant I was. I didn’t know whether it was a good or bad thing until I read “Lean In” by Nell Scovell and Sheryl Sandberg. Women often shy away from being Being a woman in a white male dominated field takes some LEANING IN. This taught me how to never be afraid to pull up a seat at a table in which others may feel as though you don’t belong.
- It taught me ways of LOVING- I receive love by action, touch and affection. I learned that everyone receives love differently from ‘The 5 Love Languages” by Gary Chapman. In this book he talks about the different ways that different people receive love.
These books along with so many more have helped me with self acceptance, confidence and peace and I hope that it helps everyone who may be fighting a battle I know nothing about.
I’ll leave you with a very famous quote, “If you want to hide information from a negro, put it in a book”-Annon. fr
For those of you reading, what are some of your favorite books? Drop some of your own Gems below.
As always, thank you for reading — — be strong, and courageous, I am rooting for you. -B
(P.S. My instagram is @_briannaaaab, my twitter is @_briannaaaa and my snapchat is @briannabeeeeeee 7 e’s)
