we’re allowed to read at our own pace

Marisa
May 4
2 min read

I feel like there’s so much pressure and comparison around reading lately… and it can take the fun out of it ~ fast.

And honestly? I’ve felt it too.

It’s so easy to look around and see how much other people are reading ~ how fast they’re finishing books, how consistent they are…

And before you even realize it, you’re not just reading anymore. You’re comparing.

And for me? I don’t just compare myself to other people…

I compare myself to me… honestly, that one hits a little different.

If I’m on vacation or have nothing going on, I can easily read a book (or more) in a day. So when I’m back in my normal, day-to-day life and I’m not reading nearly as much? It’s frustrating, because I know what I’m capable of.

But that version of me?

She’s on vacation… with a lot less going on.

My real life looks very different.

It’s busy, it’s social, and it’s full in the best way.

There isn’t always time to sit and read for hours… and when I really stop and think about it?

I’m actually really lucky. It’s a beautiful kind of life ~ one that’s filled with things I love.

Between work, family, being on set, time with my friends, a full social calendar, traveling, local events, and just… everything… Your girl is tired 😅 But I wouldn’t trade any of it.

And on top of all that, there are still so many little things I love:

puzzles
game nights with my family
dinners with my girlfriends
going for walks & my workout classes
a good bed rot binge watching session
wandering bookstores (because buying books is just as fun as reading them)
and sometimes… a good doom scroll wins too

Seriously, how do we fit all that into one day?

It’s okay to have a full life outside of reading. We’re allowed to enjoy multiple things. That doesn’t make you any less of a reader… and it definitely doesn’t mean you don’t belong.

But the reality is… we can’t do everything at once. Something’s always going to give.

It’s really just about being honest with ourselves, making time for the things we love ~ whatever that looks like ~ and being a little more intentional about it.

And if you’ve been feeling behind, or like you’re not reading “enough”… You’re just living your life.

And that’s allowed.

Reading can be your favorite thing. You can have goals, want to read more, and love being part of the book community… but that doesn’t mean it has to feel like a job, or school, or something you’re constantly trying to keep up with.

Because the second it starts to feel like that? The joy disappears.

Reading should feel freeing, not heavy.

So read your books, enjoy them ~ whether it’s a lot or a little, be proud of what you read!

Because it’s not about how many books you finish.

It’s about how they make you feel 🤍