I like reading. I take joy in experiencing the words come to life as my mind wanders to another place and time. I revel in the sense of peace and relaxation that reading brings to me, so I decided on New Year’s 2019 to make reading a priority and resolved to read at least one book every month.
I compiled a list of works I wanted to read, from fiction classics, to self-help, non-fiction, and beyond, and created a Goodreads account to track my progress. I’m happy (and proud) to say that I kept that resolution (I know, right?!), and plan to continue reading at least one book a month (but hopefully more) for 2020. If you’d like to see what I’m currently reading, find me on Goodreads or scroll down to the bottom of this website.
Earlier this month I finished Girl, Wash Your Face, by Rachel Hollis. I was captivated by her storytelling and admired how vulnerable she was in her writing. She invited readers into her world as friends. Her fun, conversational, tone and raw exposure made her relatable, which kept bringing me back for more.
Rachel based each chapter in her book on a lie women have either told themselves or have been told by others. She shared what she learned through her own real-life experiences and offered advice and techniques to help her readers navigate similar situations. It was enlightening; I learned a lot about myself and the lies I believed while reading it. It took me only two days to finish, cover to cover.
There was one quote in particular that struck a chord with me. In the final pages of chapter 15, Hollis says,
“I don’t believe everything happens for a specific reason, but I do believe it’s possible to find purpose – event in the absence of explanation.” – Rachel Hollis
Throughout my life, I have consistently (and maybe convincingly) told myself that everything I experience happens for a reason. When I was laid off, I told myself that it happened for a reason, otherwise it wouldn’t have happened at all. After reading this quote though, I feel that maybe being laid off and self-quarantining didn’t happen for a specific reason, but it encouraged me to take the time to find my purpose.
I’ve accepted that I won’t discover my purpose overnight. Maybe I would live a more enriching life if I knew, but I am doing my best to keep my heart open and mind clear until I do. Isn’t it interesting how a single sentence can have such impact?
Have you recently read any books that got you thinking, like Rachel’s book did for me?
*Special thank you to Anjali from Blogger’s Bookshelf for this post’s cover photo. Check our her post reviewing Girl, Wash Your Face.
personal breathing space 