She Strengthens

Finding Solace in the Written Word

When life gets tough, where do you turn for comfort? For many of us, the answer lies within the pages of a good book. As Michel de Montaigne so aptly put it, “When I am attacked by gloomy thoughts, nothing helps me so much as running to my books.”

The Power of Escape

I recall a particularly challenging period in my life when I was traveling to a remote Indigenous community in northern Quebec. The uncertainty and anxiety were overwhelming, but it was the books I brought with me that provided solace. Chuck Klosterman’s witty prose in “Killing Yourself to Live” and “Downtown Owl” transported me to a different world, allowing me to momentarily forget my worries. Tina Fey’s “Bossypants” and Malcolm Gladwell’s “The Outliers” also found a special place in my heart during that time.

A Journey of Self-Discovery

As I delved deeper into these stories, I began to appreciate the beauty of independence and the importance of emotional intelligence. Reading allowed me to process my emotions, gain new perspectives, and develop a deeper understanding of myself and the world around me. It’s a unique experience that lets you walk in someone else’s shoes, feeling their emotions and struggles as if they were your own.

Reading as a Necessity

In today’s fast-paced world, it’s easy to view reading as a luxury or an extracurricular activity. But I believe it’s essential to our well-being and sanity. Reading is not just about self-education; it’s about developing critical thinking skills, empathy, and emotional intelligence. It’s about recognizing and processing the complexities of life, and finding common ground with others who have experienced similar struggles.

The Wisdom of Others

As James Baldwin so eloquently put it, “You think your pain and your heartbreak are unprecedented in the history of the world, but then you read.” Reading allows us to connect with others, to realize that our struggles are not unique, and that we are not alone. It’s a reminder that we are all part of a larger human experience, and that our stories are intertwined.

Prioritizing Reading

So, let’s make reading a priority in our lives. Let’s recognize its value in helping us navigate life’s challenges, and make it a habit to pick up a book whenever we need a dose of comfort, inspiration, or guidance. As Baldwin said, reading is what connects us with all the people who were alive, who had ever been alive. It’s time to give reading the importance it deserves in our daily lives.