“Reading is essential for those who seek to rise above the ordinary.” – Jim Rohn.
From as far back as I can recall, I have had an ongoing love affair with books. I have always been a passionate and voracious reader, and I absolutely love writing. As a child, I was oftentimes called a bookworm, reading anything I could get my hands on, and this has not changed over the years.
My passion for books was so great that from childhood I expressed a desire to become a librarian; however, I was dissuaded from making that career choice by so many persons (who claimed that I would become bored) that I eventually decided against it. It did not stop me, however, from writing whenever the opportunity presented itself, or from reading constantly.
In retrospect, I regret not having followed my heart.
I strongly agree with Cicero’s wise words, ‘A room without books is like a body without a soul.’ I have gone so far as to catalogue my collection of over five hundred books, grouping them by subject and by location on the bookshelves. It makes life so much easier!
I find writing to be quite therapeutic – at least for me. I vent on paper when I am upset; I meticulously record my ahamoments; I pour out my heart through poetry. On numerous occasions, I have painted pictures with words, presenting my close friends with poems that describe them to a T! Having travelled extensively, I have documented my trips, complete with pictures, to revisit from time to time while retracing various roads along my life’s journey.
Through reading I can leave my private sanctuary and travel to faraway countries, where I am able to learn of new customs and traditions, take scenic walks, visit places of interest, go window shopping, take European cruises, go ice skating and sample exotic cuisines … all from the comfort of my rocking chair.
Of course, I have purchased countless e-books; however, nothing beats a real book cradled in one’s palms, dog-ears and all!
For me, reading and writing go hand in hand. I cannot imagine a day without opening a book, or one when I do not travel with a pen and paper to record something of note.
And about the third Royal R – ‘Rithmetic? Well … that’s another story for another time.
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