The bed time stories my mummy told me as a baby formed the beginning of my lifelong love affair with reading. As soon as I learned to read at three years old (thanks to my mum), I could not get enough. Throughout my childhood, visiting the library for weekly book hauls was an outing I eagerly anticipated. I remember borrowing more books than was practical. I remember obsessing over the Nancy Drew series and having to be pulled away from the pages to do chores and at times, even to socialize. Since those early days, my favourite hobby has continued to be one of the most enriching things in my life. Novels, magazines, coffee table books, autobiographies, poems and essays all hold my attention.

Here are some of the ways in which reading contributes to making me a better person.

Allows Me To Travel The World

Long before I ever set foot beyond Caribbean shores, reading brought the world to me. The pages of one book can reveal so much about a country and its culture(s). It never ceases to amaze me that I can viscerally feel like I have tasted new cuisines, seen new sights and had a plethora of other experiences by reading. In one week I can go from rubbing shoulders with the wealthy of modern Singapore to seeing the greatness of ancient Mali. That feeling of being teleported to various places and periods is a sensation that even my favourite movies just don’t evoke.

Provides Inspiration

Whether it is through a glossy interior design magazine filled with images and articles about gorgeous spaces or a novel that brilliantly captures human experiences and our world, I draw immeasurable inspiration from published pieces. Those sources of inspiration inform all forms of artistic expression in my life, sometimes consciously and sometimes subsconsciously. While I often feel inundated by the creative stimuli on social media, in print I can filter and savour the stimuli in less overwhelming doses.

Improves My Writing & Communication Skills

There are over 170,000 words in the English language alone. Even as a person who grew up entering Spelling Bees and spending my school vacations learning new vocabulary, I still enjoy coming across words with which I’m unfamiliar. I enjoy underling and looking them up in the dictionary. In addition to expanding my vocabulary, books have aided my writing by stretching my critical thinking; exposing me to various writing styles, perspectives and ways of conveying one’s point of views. These all help me in expressing myself not only on paper but also verbally.

Teaches Me History

Apart from the textbooks of my formal schooling, I have learned a great deal of history from fictional books. Behind many of the greatest novels, whether historical or science fiction, are considerable amounts of research. The nerd in me relishes when details about history are woven into superb storytelling. Novels tend to convey substantive details in a digestible, enjoyable manner but I also pick up history books from time to time to glean knowledge from scholars who have spent their lives studying specific events, periods and civilisations.

Offers Companionship & Escape

I have often connected with the characters in novels so closely that I cheer for their successes and bemoan their tragedies. They are friends who demand nothing in exchange for their comforting, edifying presence. Furthermore, seeing myself in the fictional or real lives of others helps me feel less alone. Books and magazines alike also grant me reprieve from the stresses of life. When I pick up a book, I immediately relax. While some might think this is escapism, to me it’s a chance to set aside stressful thoughts. It’ s a way to preserve my mental health.

Helps Me Be More Empathetic

Books have made me aware of the diverse experiences, perspectives and cultures of human beings around the globe. They have also highlighted that there are more similarities among human beings than differences. As a result, books have helped me foster more understanding, appreciation and empathy for other people including for those with lives vastly dissimilar to mine. Reading makes me more comfortable, open and equipped to engage in discourse with a variety of people.

So those are some of the ways reading has enriched my life? What about you? What positive things has reading added to your life? Please share in the comment section below.

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