I had a bit of trepidation about tackling this project.  I’m pretty good about starting out strong and then letting projects fall by the wayside.  That’s part of the reason it took almost 4 months for me to start writing about the 52 Project,  I had to make sure I was going to see this through.  But the truth is, by choosing things that add joy to my life it’s more fun than it is work.  I now have a reason to do the things that make me happy.

Case in point is #1: Read 52 books.

For a bibliophile, this is a dream come true. Reading has always been an addiction for me, the way I dreamed, escaped, relaxed, expanded my horizons.  As a teenager I would stay up almost all night reading ‘just one more chapter’.  I would get nervous when I was in the last half of my current book and I didn’t have a new book waiting.  Trips to the bookstore were right up there with a fantasy vacation to a tropical island.

As life became more hectic, reading was something I started to deny myself.  Raising my boys, I would reserve it for the hour at the end of the day when I was so tired I could barely keep my eyes open.  I felt guilty if I sat down to read before the kitchen was clean or the laundry was done. Not a healthy attitude.  Putting this goal at the top of the list was deliberate.  If any thing brings me joy, it’s reading.

Starting week 16, I’m almost done book 17.  I’ve been having a blast picking a variety of books; my usual chick lit, biographies, historical fiction, inspirational non-fiction, and a bevy of Christmas stories. I’ve been reading in all my usual places but even better, I’ve been turning off the TV and curling up in a chair with a book. It’s pure decadence to give into my addiction.  Just over 1/4 of the way through, I’m like a kid in a candy shop as I look for new books to read. Feel free to share your recommendations.

My inner librarian can’t keep good books to myself so I’m going to sprinkle my posts with some short plugs for the ones that impress me. Remember Judy Blume and “Are You There God? It’s Me, Margaret” ?  Judy Blume, now in her 70’s, is still writing but has switched to adult fiction. This year brought “In the Unlikely Event”, a fiction novel based on real events in the early 1950’s in Elizabeth, New Jersey.  Three planes crashed in Elizabeth in a short 3 month span of time.  My mom remembered this series of accidents so it added to the appeal of the book. The story is told from the perspective of a teenage girl and the people in her life.  While the story was a bit disconcerting, it moved quickly and brought home the tremendous impact that outside events can have on lives.  I highly recommend the book as a fast but not fluffy read.

Why do we deny ourselves that which brings us joy?  The dishes can wait.  We should not feel guilty for being good to ourselves.  Reading relaxes me in a way that no other activity does.  If I’m relaxed, I’m happy.  If I’m happy, I am better equipped to complete my work and I approach others in a better manner.  It’s a win win from all directions.

And just for the record, the all-night reading binges are a thing of the past.  Unless I’m on vacation.  Or it’s a Friday night.  Or the book is really fantastic….