My Top 10 Reasons I Love Being a Reader

It really wasn't that long ago that I became a reader.  Sure, I did the required reading in grade school and (very) occasionally picked up a book or two in my early 20s, but it wasn't until about five years ago that I truly referred to myself as "a reader".

There are so many, MANY, reasons why I love to label myself as such now.  It's hard to just narrow it down to 10.  Being a reader has opened so many doors for me, both personally and professionally.  A list can never represent how grateful I am for that. Be sure to check out The Broke and the Bookish for more details on this awesome weekly feature.

I love being a reader because... It allows my mind to wander to another life, another time, another adventure.  When I try to describe what reading is like to non-readers, the easiest explanation I can give is that it's like watching a movie for me.  For a short period of time I can be transfixed to another place and visualize the story as it unfolds.

I love being a reader because... I can share my thoughts on what I read with other book lovers.  I started this blog because I was in need of a community to discuss these wonderful (and not so wonderful, sometimes) books that were taking up space in my life.  There's nothing better than dissecting a book with someone else who has also read it.

I love being a reader because... I get to recommend books to people, both readers and non-readers.  I love it when my family members ask me for book recommendations, especially when I know reading is not their first choice of pleasure.  It gives me great pride to look back in my own personal library and really think about what that particular person would enjoy.

I love being a reader because... It's the fuel to my passion in becoming a teacher.  A few years ago, just as reading became a huge enjoyment for me, I made the decision to go back to school to become a teacher.  I knew I wanted to get other kids excited about reading, if not, then at least to put a book in their hands for the first time.  I owe this decision all to reading.  Without it, I don't know if I'd ever venture down this wonderful path I've found myself on.

I love being a reader because... It's COOL!  I don't care what anyone else says, reading is awesome.  I wish I had learned this a long time ago and picked up reading when I was younger.  Hey, at least I'm doing the cool thing now, right?

I love being a reader because... Books make a home beautiful and cozy.  I love to decorate, but its my book collections that are my most favorite decorative pieces.  Plus, they're very functional too!  Having a full bookshelf creates a sense of fullness in my home that I crave (especially since it's just me & Daisy).  I love my books, and the places they create in my home.

I love being a reader because... It's allowed me to see stories from a different perspective, and appreciate the diversity of this world we live in.  Books have a way of challenging us and opening our eyes to things we may not have seen before.  It's easy to get lost in our own bubbles, so I am thankful for reading because it allows me to venture outside my comfort zone every once in awhile.

I love being a reader because... My vocabulary has increased!  Studies have proven that the more you read, the larger your vocabulary will expand.  This is definitely true, for any age.  I still find myself bookmarking a word while I read to look up later and understand its origin.  I love that.

I love being a reader because... It's allowed me to connect with other people, through a common bond.  Walking into a bookstore or library full of strangers is quite normal, but when someone walks up to you & starts a conversation based on the book you're holding, it's pretty dang awesome and you find yourself instantly connected to them.

I love being a reader because... It brought me here!  Because of reading, I started this blog.  And because of this blog I have met some of my closest and most dearest friends.  Reading has become a domino effect for a lot in my life, allowing one thing to happen after another.  The friendships I've made because of this community is definitely high on my list of most rewarding experiences.  You matter to me, so very much, xo.