Simply Read What You Enjoy

September 16, 2014April 18, 2017

Books. Blogs. Magazines, Twitter accounts. Facebook Newsfeeds. Emails. Mail. Junk mail.

If we all had the time, it would be a full-time job to read all of the things that we are bombarded with on a daily basis. Just think of all of the things you could sit down and read.

Think about every single one.

For me, it’s books, magazines (sometimes), blogs, emails and facebook, that I allow to fill up my time. If I have an ounce of free time, it’s sometimes hard not to jump to one of these forms of “media”. I remember at one point a few years ago, sitting down and reading three magazines one right after another because I was so behind. I was trying to decipher if I really enjoyed looking through or reading this magazine, or if I was just going through it because I felt I “needed” to. I had received some of the subscriptions for free, so I couldn’t pass up something free, right? That is where I was wrong. It wasn’t free anymore when it took away precious time that I could be spending doing something else. Something I enjoyed even more.

Free isn’t always good, when it steals time away from something you would rather be doing.

The same can be said for facebook, emails, blogs, etc.

This may be an odd subject to talk about, as a blogger myself. Before I started my organizing blog, I was reading so many blogs on a daily basis. Checking up on each one, and I found myself overwhelmed. Granted my husband and I were going through a transitional time in life, so time was a little more available. After a recent move, I decided that instead of reading all of these blogs, to start one myself – about the passions I love.

As I started to create Organizing Life With Less, my main goal was to help others declutter, simplify, and find time to do the things that you really enjoy. That is when I started to downsize my life. Even my “media” life. So I decided to

ONLY READ WHAT I REALLY ENJOY.

What does that look like? For each person that is different. I would love to sit here and give you a laundry list of things of what you should read, but only you can define what you enjoy.

For me, this is what “simply reading what I really enjoy” looks like:

Checking my email a few times a day, but clearing out my inbox if I can
Reading a few of my favorite blogs, but this is about once every week
Picking up the book because I WANT to, not because I have to (I’m a non-fiction reader)
Looking through the few magazines I get in the mail – Country Living, Midwest Living, and HGTV
Checking my Facebook newsfeed maybe once a day. I never go on Twitter, except to post.
And I enjoy every minute of the things listed above!

What do YOU enjoy reading? Are you only reading what you just simple enjoy reading? Do you look forward to sitting down and reading whatever media you choose – or do you feel obligated? To live simply, do what you only enjoy, to simply live.

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2 Comments

simply inspired at home says:

September 16, 2014 at 2:20 pm

Dear Kristin,
I agree with the tremendous amount of time (and space) reading takes up in our lives.
I found "baby and parenting magazines" to be my main resources, during my pregnancy and early-mommy years. (Never did read the books.) While I was a child care provider for 18 years and had a degree in Child Care Services, I felt the magazines really did cover a lot of the up-to-date child care and child development topics (trends change over time and outdated books may not offer the most current advice). I'm sure you are already getting an abundance of mail and email regarding the baby and baby-care topics. (keep a basket handy near your nursing station 🙂 It will give you something to read during those late-night feedings.
I hope you are feeling well. You are in my prayers.
I think it would be great for all of your internet FRIENDS to "shower" you with ideas and information that we learned along the way. Our "helpful hints" don't take up any valuable floor space, and hopefully we can share ways to save you time and money as a parent.

Reply
1. Kristin says:
  
  September 16, 2014 at 9:52 pm
  
  I am hoping too, that the magazines cover a lot as well! They are quick reads, with great information (I hope :)). I haven't received too much mail yet, but some things I signed up for not too long ago too, so we'll see as time goes on! I am feeling GREAT and thank you so much for your prayers :). I would LOVE to hear everyone's ideas and info that was helpful to them – maybe I will pose the question and compile a blog post with all of the different ideas everyone has! That's a great idea! And like you said, they don't take up value space, but I value personal experience, so this is perfect. Thank you 🙂
  
  Reply