I have a confession to make. I love to read. Like, really love it. You might not be able to tell, but this shelf is actually two books deep. And that doesn’t even touch the books on my ipad, the three other slots in this book case, and multiple baskets and bins and shelves in our home.
I read all different types of literature. Sometimes just for entertainment, and other times to seriously learn things – and other times to become a better person.
Sometimes it’s difficult to make time for the things that we truly love, so a few years ago, I made a commitment to myself. I’d budget 30 minutes of every day for reading. Always a Scripture passage, and then whatever I felt like in addition. Why? Because it’s one of my “things”. It refreshes me. It’s really easy for me to get caught up in being a busy mom, business owner, wife – all of the different roles that I play and stop giving to myself. The problem is when I’m always giving to others, if I don’t take time to replenish the bin, I start running out of my ability to give. I get sad. And frustrated. And maybe a bit resentful.
So I keep a short list of things I must give back to myself every week: exercise, eat healthy, and read. And this is not selfish. It makes me a better mom, a better person, keeps me growing and healthy, and keeps me able to give with happy heart.
What’s on your list?
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