Chapter 1: A Nostalgic Reflection

In my youth, going to the library was one of the most exciting activities. Although it might have given off a nerdy vibe, it was the kind of nerdiness that didn’t require extraordinary intelligence. Instead, it earned respect, as adults recognized that you were using your time wisely.

You could often spot groups of teens hanging out in front of libraries or nearby parks, bicycles parked at their side, books tucked away, and ice creams in hand—it was a delightful scene. Holding a library card was something to be proud of. If you ever mentioned wanting to go to the library, your parents would eagerly encourage you, almost as if you had declared your intention to attend church.

Chapter 2: A Modern Struggle

Fast forward to today: it’s a rainy afternoon, an ideal moment to dive into the stack of books I’ve accumulated. The gentle sound of rain serves as a perfect backdrop for reading. Yet, instead of picking up a book, I reach for my phone.

A few swipes and clicks later, I find myself engulfed in a whirlwind of notifications, memes, and endless life hacks. Amid this digital frenzy, I catch a glimpse of my untouched book, almost as if it is teasing me, asking, “Why aren’t you reading me?”

What changed? I used to immerse myself in novels for hours, but now, I struggle to finish a single chapter before my attention drifts back to my phone. My mind seems preoccupied with the next update or notification, and in this frantic pursuit, I’ve lost the patience needed for reading.

Research indicates that our attention spans are diminishing, as the constant influx of digital content rewires our brains to seek immediate rewards. What was once a delightful journey through a book now feels like an intimidating marathon I’m unprepared to run.

However, I miss the thrill of losing myself in a story, the comfort of knowing I could pause and return without needing to refresh or reload. So, how can I reclaim that lost connection?

1 Page at a Time: A Daily Creative Companion by Adam J Kurtz provides insights into how to engage creatively with your reading and writing habits.

Chapter 3: Taking Small Steps

I began implementing small changes. The first step was to limit my screen time deliberately, keeping my phone away when I wanted to read. I transformed reading into a nightly ritual, a mindful activity that I cherished. Whenever my thoughts wandered, I gently redirected them back to the pages, reminding myself that the world within the book was just as captivating as anything online.

1 Page at a Time by Adam J Kurtz - Episode 1 offers practical advice for nurturing your reading routine amidst distractions.

Joining a book club proved to be beneficial as well. The camaraderie of reading, discussing, and debating stories provided a sense of community and encouragement. Gradually, the enchantment of reading returned—the thrill of flipping pages, the suspense of what would happen next, and the satisfaction of completing a book all rekindled my passion.

Chapter 4: Embracing the Journey

If you find yourself struggling to read as you once did, remember, you are not alone. In this noisy, distraction-filled world, it can be easy to lose sight of our love for books. Yet, that passion remains, patiently waiting like an old friend.

Reconnecting with the joy of reading is simply about making the choice to dive back in, one page at a time!

~ Thank you!