As an essay spoiler alert, I won’t be giving a list of top novels I’ve read or even top anythings I’ve read. 2020 wasn’t a year where I felt well enough to do anything requiring deep concentration. Reading has always been difficult for me. I am not an overly-distracted individual, but for some reason, sitting with a novel can quickly distract me into myriad meandry thoughts. 2020 helped me appreciate using audiobooks to wade through mediocre readings.
As I wrote about in “Headache’s Root Cause,” I had been subconsciously wanting a spot where I could just roll around on the carpet and stretch my muscles as I read. I might be a fidgety reader, so having a place where I can stretch my muscles, stretch my mind, then rest both has been helpful for me. I’m not sure of the best reading-on-the-floor posture yet, so I just read however it feels comfortable.
“I never read…![1]” “I just read one page at a time.[2]” “I can never find the time…![1]” “I read right when I wake up, so I get it out of the way.[2]” “I just can never find the time…[1]” Along with scheduling the time to read, having dedicated space and specific reading plans are important for reading success. Since I tend to adapt to certain environments, if I have a space for reading, I’ll read.
“I hope you do something nice for yourself. Other than reading, writing, or rowing.[1]” “I was thinking of drinking an unhealthy amount of energy drinks. Otherwise, I had thought of doing things in Seattle or elsewhere, but nothing was appealing. [2]” I had been anticipating my birthday for a few weeks. I wanted to prepare myself to do whatever I wanted when I woke up. Explore the city on a nice summer day? Or do nothing?
