Omg I’ve been battling with reading slumps too and this has given me a new perspective. Reading has always been a huge part of my life so whenever I’m not doing it, I feel like I’m failing in some way. If I’m not reading as fast as I usually do, I feel like there’s something wrong. But it’s literally just more time to dabble in other hobbies. I got so excited when I saw that you crochet, I do too! And I’ve also been beating myself up over the fact that since I completed my first sweater, I haven’t picked a hook up. But I’m meant to do these things because I feel a genuine desire to, right? I’m not meant to force it. Also, I relate to what you said about reading goals. At the start of the year, I decided I didn’t want a goal but I hated how every time I went on them, Goodreads and Storygraph basically yelled at me to pick a reading goal so I decided my goal was 1 book and now every time I open the apps, they rave about how much I’ve surpassed my goal. I hate the pressure to read many books when the joy is not in the numbers but in actually enjoying the books.
exactly! I'm so glad you stumbled on this post, we shouldn't feel bad about not being 100% into a hobby at all times, that's not what they're there for. also making a sweater is a huge accomplishment! I'd probably naturally take a month or two off some crocheting after that anyway hahaha. and yeah maybe those apps are to be used in a similar way; when we want to set goals they're a great help but if we just want to read, we can do without them :) thank you sm for your comment + thank you for reading🥰🥰
I'm with you on reading trackers. They're designed to help you get back into reading or if you want to challenge yourself. As a reader who enjoys reading as a hobby, I've opted out of tracking and wrap ups. Unfortunately IG has put too much pressure on it because it's a trend. I have no idea where people find the time alongside their lunches, tv shows and other downtime routines. Personally, I watch too much reality tv 😅🙈
yeah they're helpful at first but then I think you need to recognise when you don't need them anymore! and girl same?? a full time job leaves barely any time left as it is! they know something we don't😂
I'm right there with you, Candice. Last year I read 40 books and burned out. I was always trying to hit a number to the point where it became less about reading for leisure and more about productivity, DOing, and hitting a goal. I found myself trying to be like some of the people I see on IG and booktok and that's just not me; it's not my personality. So now, this year I'm reading if/when I feel excited about a book.
that's exactly how I felt! the comparison is just too much it can easily suck you in without you even noticing it's wild. I'm glad you've found your way out and you're reading for you again!🥰
I like tracking and it’s fun because my husband started tracking his too. I get a tad competitive with him, but also see it as us being a “reading team.” 😂
Last year I did something crazy and tracked the Children’s books I read. That was wild. I was sad though realizing my pace of reading to my kids has really slowed down (some of that because I’m also focused on my own reading more). I’m excited for the library’s summer reading program to start so I can track their books again and they can also get some fun prizes. My 2nd grader has become a big reader (mostly before bed because he’s our night owl and we are an early bedtime family) and I’m so excited to see how many books he reads this summer! We haven’t kept count since he’s taken off!
"reading team" is adorable you must keep that alive. aw that's so cute! you must be so proud :') also that library programme sounds divine I hope it's lovely!
Girl I'm just flying through your posts because I relate to them all!
I set my Goodreads goal to 10 books this year and have somehow passed it despite having labeled myself a slow reader - that is, in comparison to other bookstagrammers, now I just consider myself a reader haha.
hahaha no complaints here! and yay to 10 books already! I also fell a bit into that booksta comparison hole but I'm now just thinking of myself as a reader too who slow reads 8 different books at once lol who cares! xo
I felt this post with my whole soul LOOOL This was me last year! I also feel like there’s always a pressure to do better each year and where does that end? I think it’s good to take a step back every once in a while and remember that although 50+ or however many books a year looks impressive, are you acc taking in what you are reading? Are you missing the small details? Are you actually enjoying? Thinking like that made the whole reading experience nice so much better for me.
love this change the meaning behind the thought, it made me think of monsters inc🥹, every door leads you to somewhere you’d never expect. Also you are allowed to slump into the sofa and fall into nothingness for a bit, i think we put too much pressure on ourselves to always be productive with our time ? Sometimes just sloth and don’t beat yourself up for it 🫶🏻
monster inc! hehe and yeah rotting is definitely necessary sometimes but trying not to tip the scales one way or another is tricky~ thank you for your comment🩷
that totally makes sense! i think everyone should do what suits them best, and most importantly, without the influence of social media/making content - goodness that's a whole topic in itself haha. thank you for your comment!🩷
Omg I’ve been battling with reading slumps too and this has given me a new perspective. Reading has always been a huge part of my life so whenever I’m not doing it, I feel like I’m failing in some way. If I’m not reading as fast as I usually do, I feel like there’s something wrong. But it’s literally just more time to dabble in other hobbies. I got so excited when I saw that you crochet, I do too! And I’ve also been beating myself up over the fact that since I completed my first sweater, I haven’t picked a hook up. But I’m meant to do these things because I feel a genuine desire to, right? I’m not meant to force it. Also, I relate to what you said about reading goals. At the start of the year, I decided I didn’t want a goal but I hated how every time I went on them, Goodreads and Storygraph basically yelled at me to pick a reading goal so I decided my goal was 1 book and now every time I open the apps, they rave about how much I’ve surpassed my goal. I hate the pressure to read many books when the joy is not in the numbers but in actually enjoying the books.
exactly! I'm so glad you stumbled on this post, we shouldn't feel bad about not being 100% into a hobby at all times, that's not what they're there for. also making a sweater is a huge accomplishment! I'd probably naturally take a month or two off some crocheting after that anyway hahaha. and yeah maybe those apps are to be used in a similar way; when we want to set goals they're a great help but if we just want to read, we can do without them :) thank you sm for your comment + thank you for reading🥰🥰
I'm with you on reading trackers. They're designed to help you get back into reading or if you want to challenge yourself. As a reader who enjoys reading as a hobby, I've opted out of tracking and wrap ups. Unfortunately IG has put too much pressure on it because it's a trend. I have no idea where people find the time alongside their lunches, tv shows and other downtime routines. Personally, I watch too much reality tv 😅🙈
yeah they're helpful at first but then I think you need to recognise when you don't need them anymore! and girl same?? a full time job leaves barely any time left as it is! they know something we don't😂
I'm right there with you, Candice. Last year I read 40 books and burned out. I was always trying to hit a number to the point where it became less about reading for leisure and more about productivity, DOing, and hitting a goal. I found myself trying to be like some of the people I see on IG and booktok and that's just not me; it's not my personality. So now, this year I'm reading if/when I feel excited about a book.
that's exactly how I felt! the comparison is just too much it can easily suck you in without you even noticing it's wild. I'm glad you've found your way out and you're reading for you again!🥰
I appreciated your take on this!
I like tracking and it’s fun because my husband started tracking his too. I get a tad competitive with him, but also see it as us being a “reading team.” 😂
Last year I did something crazy and tracked the Children’s books I read. That was wild. I was sad though realizing my pace of reading to my kids has really slowed down (some of that because I’m also focused on my own reading more). I’m excited for the library’s summer reading program to start so I can track their books again and they can also get some fun prizes. My 2nd grader has become a big reader (mostly before bed because he’s our night owl and we are an early bedtime family) and I’m so excited to see how many books he reads this summer! We haven’t kept count since he’s taken off!
P.S. boostagram and booktok are great in that they are making reading cool. Not so great in making us all feel like we are slow pokes.
and yup I'm with you there. might just avoid insta in december for those yearly reading wrap ups tbh😅
"reading team" is adorable you must keep that alive. aw that's so cute! you must be so proud :') also that library programme sounds divine I hope it's lovely!
Girl I'm just flying through your posts because I relate to them all!
I set my Goodreads goal to 10 books this year and have somehow passed it despite having labeled myself a slow reader - that is, in comparison to other bookstagrammers, now I just consider myself a reader haha.
hahaha no complaints here! and yay to 10 books already! I also fell a bit into that booksta comparison hole but I'm now just thinking of myself as a reader too who slow reads 8 different books at once lol who cares! xo
I feel you on the multiple books at once. It’s a wonder truly that I manage to keep track of them somewhat haha
I felt this post with my whole soul LOOOL This was me last year! I also feel like there’s always a pressure to do better each year and where does that end? I think it’s good to take a step back every once in a while and remember that although 50+ or however many books a year looks impressive, are you acc taking in what you are reading? Are you missing the small details? Are you actually enjoying? Thinking like that made the whole reading experience nice so much better for me.
Here’s to an enjoyable 2024 reading year instead!
exactly!! I barely remember books a day after reading them imagine if I read over 50 in a year! head empty. joyful reads only in 2024 it is law
love this change the meaning behind the thought, it made me think of monsters inc🥹, every door leads you to somewhere you’d never expect. Also you are allowed to slump into the sofa and fall into nothingness for a bit, i think we put too much pressure on ourselves to always be productive with our time ? Sometimes just sloth and don’t beat yourself up for it 🫶🏻
monster inc! hehe and yeah rotting is definitely necessary sometimes but trying not to tip the scales one way or another is tricky~ thank you for your comment🩷
Also, I wish this could be me! But I’m too much of a control freak hahaha
hahaha and that's absolutely fine!
I love the snowball effect with the books you’ve read in 2023: one in the first 3 months, then two and then 24 in 6 months 😂😂 made me chuckle haha
I think I was so excited to use the kindle you got me that I just went mad about books in general🥹
that totally makes sense! i think everyone should do what suits them best, and most importantly, without the influence of social media/making content - goodness that's a whole topic in itself haha. thank you for your comment!🩷