The Bookmark No. 42
On reading when it feels impossible
I mentioned this a lot on stories and on the blog this week, but I am really trying to focus on my routines this week. January was the trial run of the year and February started off with a busy bang. I’ve always had a fraught relationship with food, but throughout the pandemic, I’ve really fallen in love with cooking. However, when I’m overwhelmed, it’s the last thing I want to do. I took Thursday morning to grocery shop and meal prep and get my life in order because the next three weeks are going to be packed.
Recently, I’ve found myself on routine-tok. I started following Taylor on TikTok and she has a 3:30am morning routine. Now, I will never be able to have a 3:30am morning routine because I can’t be in bed by 8pm, but there was a comment on one of her videos that really stuck with me.
“Discipline is freedom, not constraint.”
I LOVE that idea. There is freedom in discipline! There’s a reason why I thrive on routines and that’s because they allow me to be the best version of myself. When I am getting up at the same time every morning, I am making time to care for myself and read before the day gets started. When I make a meal plan, I am not stressed all day thinking about what I’m going to cook. When I make time to move my body, whether it’s a long walk with the pup or a Peloton ride, it eases my anxiety.
When reading feels impossible because my schedule is so packed, I lean on my routines. My #ReadAndRise isn’t just to show off my mug of the day. Sometimes it’s the only time I have to read. I feel completely off if I don’t read everyday. Same with at night, and why I love my Kindle so much. I try to read at least one chapter on my Kindle to help me go to sleep.
I feel out of my routine during the holidays and January. Without it, I feel sluggish and unmotivated. I always tell myself that good habits are just as easy to implement as bad habits.
But this is also a reason to look at what I’m reading. If something isn’t grabbing me, I need to move on to a book that will. This is what I mean by read what you love. If a synopsis grabs you, pick it up! Even if it’s outside your normal genres! It only feels impossible when you’re forcing yourself to read a book that isn’t filling your mind and soul with what you need at that moment.
Let this be your sign to read for joy, whether it’s one page, chapter, or book at a time.
ICYMI on readandwright.com
Review: Just My Type by Fallon Ballard
What I’m Loving:
Terry Cloth Scrunchies —I use these when washing my face so I don’t spill water all over myself. So simple, but I am obsessed. I learned about these from Remi Cruz during her Vlogmas!
Fluffy Headband—I’m late to the trend but I love using this when washing my face. I’m leaning into my routines more and more and this helps me look forward to it.
Bookmark Book light—I love a good book light and this Is a new favorite to add to my rotation! It was great for travel and didn’t bother Nick while driving.
Straight Leg Jeans—Universal Standard has become my favorite place for denim! They fit me so well and make me feel so confident
High Peaks of the Adirondack Forest Candle—I bought this when we were in Lake Placid and it is incredible. It smells like the perfect forest and I am in love with it!
What You’re Loving:
Podcast Recommendations
I usually listen to audiobooks but there were two episodes of podcasts I wanted to listen to this week! First up, my fav NFL wife on one of my favorite TikTokers podcasts.
Allison Kuch with Victoria Garrick Browne on Real Pod
And second, I love Bad on Paper (it was an honor being on one of their episodes last Summer!) and this Rom Com episode was right up my ally. It’s packed full of recommendations from books to movies just in times for Valentine’s Day.
As always. I truly appreciate your feedback on the newsletter! Please let me know what you’d like to see in the future.
Until next time,
Phoebe