“At a time when one in five of us will experience anxiety or depression, and world events can leave people feeling confused or scared, reading has never been more important. As this research shows, reading can have a hugely positive impact on our health and well-being; it can build empathy and help us understand the world and the people around us.”     Sue Wilkinson, chief executive of The Reading Agency

How true this is! Reading has always been a joy for me and a pleasure. Sue’s comment prompted me to ponder on all the ways that books have enriched my life:

Books have always been a place I could escape to when times were tough. They’ve given me wings when I felt all too rooted to the ground and to the world and its problems.

Books let me explore new worlds and new places – they give me a window into new ways of being and new opportunities to explore what it means to be human.

Books have expanded my senses and given me exciting opportunities to experience life, not as myself, but as someone else. They’ve helped me push past self-imposed limitations and realize that we are all bigger and more expansive than we think.

Books have lifted me up when I’ve been down. Just reading a funny story or about an amusing character has often given me the boost I need to keep going.

Books have inspired me to want to be a better writer. Reading other people’s stories, first for entertainment and then to decode their writing has always emboldened me to want to craft words that are stronger, truer, deeper.

Books have been boon companions on the road to life. Where ever I am and whatever I’m doing, if I have a book with me, I’m good to go. I can cope.

How about you? What ways have books enriched your life and your work? I’d love to hear from you as we all write on!