Hey, let me tell you something. Reading is, hands down, one of the best things you can do for yourself. I mean, it’s like a full-on superpower you get smarter, happier, and less stressed all at the same time. Seriously, it’s amazing! Let me break it down for you.

First off, it’s like a gym workout for your brain. No joke. When you’re reading, your brain’s over there doing squats, push-ups, and even yoga. You’re processing all these complicated ideas, analyzing stories, and connecting dots, and before you know it, you’re suddenly better at solving problems and thinking critically. Plus, your vocabulary goes through the roof. You’ll be throwing out fancy words like “juxtaposition” and “serendipity” at dinner parties, and people will think you’re a genius. It’s also great for focus and memory. Remembering plot twists or arguments in a book is like weightlifting for your brain you’ll find yourself more productive and laser focused in everyday life. Who doesn’t want that?

Then there’s the emotional stuff. Books are like portals to other worlds and lives, and when you step into them, you can’t help but feel what the characters feel. It’s like living a hundred lives at once! And let me tell you, that’s how you understand people. You get empathy points like crazy. It’s like reading someone else’s diary but, you know, legally. Plus, if you’re ever feeling down or stuck, books are the best therapy. They’ve got your back, whether you need a good cry or a hearty laugh. You’ll feel seen, heard, and even inspired.

For me, personally, reading has always been something much more than a pastime. It was my sanctuary, my escape from a brutal world that just wouldn’t let me be who I am. My parents didn’t exactly make things easier. One of them fit every trait of a narcissist, while the other’s emotions never even reached their eyes. And as if that wasn’t enough, one of them carried a blatant racism toward the Cree people half of my heritage and all my spirit. Abuse wasn’t a stranger in my life, starting from when I was incredibly young. There were mental health differences I faced that my parents refused to acknowledge or have me assessed for, like ASD. It affected my education in ways I’m still coming to terms with. Punishment was often their answer when I displayed textbook signs, and when I finally sought an assessment in 2019, I discovered multiple referrals that had been ignored during my childhood. Imagine how painful that realization is.

The narcissist went even further years later. They made it possible for my aunt to steal my child, playing on my lack of knowledge about CPS, and I only found out when my child turned 17 that I could have and still could   go pick them up because I was the ONLY legal guardian. Can you believe that? When these memories surface, I always grab a book to ground myself, holding on tight so I don’t get lost in PTSD flashbacks. And trust me, I’ve been exposed to more than enough trauma to cause PTSD all on its own. Then, when my daughter fell ill and spent most of her life in the hospital, the narcissist would only come randomly, a handful of times. But, of course, they made a big show of it on social media, acting as if they were this amazing, doting grandparent. You’d think they’d want to spend time with their grandchild who was fighting for her life, but no. We were lucky to get a week at home once or twice. Then they had the audacity to try to use the loss of my daughter as a reason to apply for AISH benefits, claiming the trauma was too much for them. Needless to say, I made a couple of calls, and they didn’t get away with it.

What made it even worse was when I called them out for their “look at me” behavior on social media and told them they didn’t have my or my daughter’s father’s permission to post her photos online. It cost them their Facebook account, and in retaliation, they called social services on me. Again. This is barely scratching the surface of what it’s been like living with this narcissist all my life, but that’s the kind of toxic chaos I’ve had to endure. And yet, through everything, books have been my refuge. They were always there, from the moment I could read, and I was an early reader. They’re my escape, my passion, the thing that kept me going when nothing else could.

Over the years, my interest in reading has persisted. Reading offers countless benefits such as reducing stress, with six minutes of reading potentially being as calming as a meditation session. It broadens one’s mind, stimulates curiosity, and even has health benefits. Studies suggest that people who read may live longer. It helps keep the brain active, fosters openness, and stimulates imagination. Reading is more than just a pastime; it can be considered an important activity with many advantages. Therefore, I encourage you to pick up a book and experience the benefits firsthand. Additionally, I am interested in hearing about your hobbies and discussing them, as this can lead to discovering new interests or ideas.

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