Reading without any alterior motive

I love to read, I love to write. I love to read so that I can write. There’s nothing wrong with that. In fact I encourage it.

But sometimes it’s fine to just sit down and read a good book or post without any intention of jumping on social media afterward, or blogging about it. Some times the joy of filling our minds with something for its own sake brings a reward far sweeter than the limited feedback we’d get from our peers. Instead we appreciate it for what it is.

Years ago, before I was blogging, I’d read books for the sake of curiosity and learning. Naturally I’d find occassions to talk to others about it, and what was inside still poured out. But that wasn’t the goal. I wasn’t reading just to share, I was reading because I wanted to.

Then, when you don’t get great feedback on a post, or don’t get the likes or kudos you were hoping for, it won’t matter. That’s not why you were reading to begin with.

So, lately I’ve been reading a few more posts just for their own sake. And that’s been freeing.

The funny thing? As a result of not trying so hard I’m actually coming up with more material I want to write.