Kicking off book club with Little Bee

A friend asked if I'd like to join her newly created book club. I hesitated because my first thought is I don't possibly have the time to read a book. The last book I read was several years ago and it took 6 months to finish. I went home and thought about it and thought about the benefits reading, possibly the most important is set a good example for my dauther. Showing my daughter that reading is not just educational but fun, entertaining and inspiring. Additionally, the social outlet for me is probably a huge bonus as I don't have any girlfriend time, quite honestly I don't really any social outlet outside work. My children, the cleaning, shopping and cooking seem to consume all my time. Then there's the added element of starting this blog. Seriously, do I have time???

Having a reason to read will inspire me to do it and being well read is something certainly worth striving for. This opportunity must have presented itself to me for a reason and I'd be foolish to not take it when there is no down side except finding the time to do it. Am I biting off more than I can chew? Maybe in the end, reading as a way to wind down is what I actually need in my struggle to reduce stress and and the stress related pain.

Perhaps being thrown into something is the kick I needed to start reading again. The selection for our first book, Little Bee by Chris Cleave, is a book that I would have never selected myself. Because I'm on a limited budget, I took my daughter to the library and checked it out. While she spent time on the computer I managed to read the first two chapters and it was very pleasurable to have a half hour of quiet time reading. I am now excited to read more and I'm very happy for this new enrichment in my life. I also have to say hearing someone else's struggles reminds me that I have had a blessed life and even though times can be difficult I appreciate what I do have and the appreciate the capability I have to make myself better every day.

As I've stated it is my quest to live a better and more fulfilling life and I am taking this year to make baby steps toward achieving a happier me. Having a situation that presented itself to me will provide a social outlet I've been looking for plus enrich my life on many levels. So how could I turn down this opportunity. I'll provide my book club updates.

Jan