The shoulds in my book pile

This is week four of the Messy Summer Reading Club. Today’s story we’re questioning is a close cousin to our last…instead of catching up, we are should-ing all over our reading lives. This one could sneak into many different parts of your reading life, for instance:

• I should read more

• I should read the classics

• I should be reading more non-fiction

Pick your poison here. Should statements come with a flavor of judgment. And these show up in whatever way we want to judge our reading lives. It could be quantity, quality, purpose, etc. It’s a way for us to tell ourselves we aren’t doing enough or doing it right. But psst…we’re not in school anymore. We are not being graded here. Who is really the judge here?

Shove your should to the side for a minute. And take inventory of what is happening in your life right now. First, check in on what your reading life is currently looking like. How is the reading life you actually have right now treating you?

Shaking out your needs, wants, and values can be helpful in assessing what your reading life is currently and if (a big if) something needs to change.

Is there something else you want or need that you aren’t getting in your reading life? Listen to that voice, not the judge.

Make a plan.

It’s not sexy, and I’ve said it before (like really…here, here, and here) and I’ll probably say it again. If you don’t already have a reading routine or it’s been knocked out by changes brought on by summer, a little planning can make a big impact. Commit to reading during the post-pool nap time, plan on reading in the camp pick up line, or pick your early morning coffee drinking time for reading. Bonus points when you write it down: put it on your calendar or add it to the to-do list.

Get a good snack, and let’s get the comments going.

• Do you have any particular “shoulds” that show up in your reading life?

• How has achievement culture influenced your feelings about reading?

• Would love to know what you're reading this week.

Leave a comment

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As always, just a little reminder: The content on A Wonderful Mess posted by Dr. Kathryn Barbash, PsyD, is for educational and entertainment purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for medical, clinical, legal, or professional advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Reliance on any information provided is solely at your own risk. Always seek the advice of your licensed mental health professional or other qualified health provider.