I have been thinking about this post for a while. The words
I wanted use, my thoughts, the reasons behind this post, etc., etc., etc. I’m
hoping I can finally get my thoughts down and express to my 5 readers what I
want to share.
In the past, when people have asked me why I like to read, I
have always responded with something like “Reading’s my favorite.” “The human
world, it’s a mess.” “I just like to read.” “It’s my outlet for escape.” I mean,
those are pretty good, respectable answers. Also…..I can’t remember a time when
I didn’t like to read. I’ve been reading since I can remember. I was encouraged
to read by both of grandmothers and my parents. Shopping for me is pretty easy…….books,
books, more books, and bookish merchandise.
However, in 2022, my passion for reading and books have
risen to a whole other level. It has been…..healing. Surprisingly healing.
2022 has been hard. Really hard. I thoughT 2020 was hard.
The year I lost my mom was hard. 2022 has been a close second. Due to my own
choices, choices of others, and just regular life. All of the hard moments
range from my mother in law passing away, becoming a victim of fraud,
navigating a faith crisis, issues in my personal life, and putting our dog
down, just to name a few. I was so affected mentally and emotionally through
some of these hardships that I became deeply depressed and suicidal. It was a
very dark time, walking through a fog not sure I would ever find the light at
the end of the tunnel.
Then I found Booktok…..
I was scrolling through Tik Tok and saw all these users
talking about books and doing book hauls and reviewing books. There was one
specific user that I was just drawn to. She is the cutest girl who was so….real.
It was a breath of fresh air! I grew to love watching her videos and listening to
her. She is just the most darling girl! As I was going through her videos and
watching her, I thought…….I like books! I like to read! I can totally do this!
So…..I started a booktok account. I started doing videos of
book hauls, book reviews, doing videos with just sounds and before I knew it…..I
started getting all these followers. Then I learned about Amazon Wishlists,
different tropes, book fairying, buddy reads, etc. I started having fun with it
even though it was so outside of my comfort zone.
Then I remembered I had a Bookstagram account that I had
neglected. So…..I started becoming more active on Instagram and connecting the
two accounts. And started gaining more followers on Instagram that had the same
interests that I did.
Putting myself out there and sharing my passion with
complete strangers helped in my healing process I started to feel better
mentally and emotionally. I started to learn more about myself and what I could
offer others. Something that was authentically me and 100% mine. It has been truly freeing!
Throughout this process, several things have happened that
wouldn’t have otherwise:
·
Joined a group of readers that help support
independent authors by reading, reviewing, and sharing their books on social
media
·
Met and have become friends with different
authors
·
Taught myself how to makes templates and videos
·
Allowed myself to be creative with content
·
Continued to add to my endless TBR
·
Allowed myself to be introduced to different
types of books
·
And lastly…..made SO MANY FRIENDS from all over
the world that love to read as much as I do, who support my content, and vice
versa
This has not been and easy journey and being vulnerable is
definitely uncomfortable. However, because I have allowed myself to be
vulnerable and step out of comfort zone, I have learned what I can do and what
I am capable of. This journey has helped
me be more comfortable in my own skin.
Honestly, there have been other things that have helped me
through this journey of self-discovery, but because this is a book blog, I’ll
just share this part…….. for now.
I’m anxious, in a good way, to see where 2023 will take me
on this journey of passion for books and reading.
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