Should you read because I write?
No, and don’t ask me to read “it” all either. Time to stop feeling bad about what we don’t get around to.
I had a glass of wine with a friend recently and he said, I enjoy your writing but I don’t have time to read it. And I said to him, well that’s good, because that means you’re out there living life. As it happens, I know that’s true for him. He is a dancing, singing, traveling, 75+ year old man, giving talks here and there, meeting his lady friend often, enjoying life. He doesn’t make time to read what I write, until he does. And that’s fine with me.
We have tremendous access to, well, almost everything these days. What an exciting world to live in, where at our fingertips is information on the history of the building I am standing in front of, a list of all grocery stores near said building, and countless videos on why I should or shouldn’t spend time exploring this building.
Yay? Yes yay, and yes, it’s daunting. Everyday Every moment, our inboxes are refreshed and more content is available to us. And you know, it’s not all junk. There’s lots of good stuff in there. And sometimes if feels like I SHOULD be ingesting it all, and when I don’t, I’m insulting or at least disappointing someone. My head can go on and on about it. I don’t live a such a busy life - at least not compared to many who are working at traditional jobs 40, 50 hours a week. That sometimes results in my head telling me I should be ingesting more, more, more!
I should read the news and keep on top of what’s happening in the world, and I should read books and I should read all the newsletters I subscribe to. I should also listen to various podcasts and I should improve my German, and learn French and Italian because well, I live in Europe now and have access to German and French right here (Basel is on the border of France and Germany). Italy’s not far. (I’m writing this as I sit in a cafe in Como, as it happens).
Ugh, I can feel a large, heavy lump in my chest. Yuck. You know what? That paragraph above isn’t true for me. Let’s try it again, one piece at a time.
I want to read some news when I’m in the right frame of mind, so that rather than feel depressed by it, I can acknowledge it, maybe be moved to take action from my awareness. But I don’t want to try to take it all in, because I never can, and if I try I’ll not only always feel behind, but also sad, even paralyzed, unable to do anything. And I know that if it bleeds it leads, so the amount of negative news far exceeds the positive, even though there are lots of great things going on out here on this amazing planet.
I love choosing what I read, and subscribing (sometimes happily paying to subscribe) to newsletters of writers that move me and make me think. Except when I make it a must. Rather than feel like I should read them all always, I would rather aspire to read a couple each day (right now there are days I read none), savoring rather than perusing them. I love choosing what I read each day rather than letting some other source feed me what they think I need.
Here’s an ideal morning for me. I get up, find my way to a cafe I love, and begin reading a newsletter or three. After I’ve had time to wake up and take in some wisdom from people I respect, then I’m ready to peek at some news sources of my choice and get an idea of what is happening on this amazing planet. I don’t tend to read news too deeply, but rather get an overview. Then I will switch to reading a novel, letting it take me somewhere I am not, and diving in.
Okay, now after writing that paragraph, I feel great. Strong, powerful, at choice. And you know, when I follow that pattern, I am ready to write. Taking in quality content on my schedule, when I’m ready, because I want to, is inspiring.
So, a message to those I read; please know that while I may not read your words immediately, or even at all some times, I so appreciate them and you. Please keep writing.
And a message to those who read my words; thank you. I know your time is valuable and I am filled with gratitude when you take the time to read. And, know that you never need to read what I write. Get to it later or not. You may miss something, and that’s ok with me. I am the same. And I’ll keep writing.
🙏🏼.
Every once in a while I sit down, pick an author and read whatever they have written in the past 2 3 months or so. In that way I never regret missing their work. But lately i have been freeing myself of the guilt of 'should read'
And I am glad you think in a similar pattern.
Always a pleasure!