Growing up, I enjoyed “nerdy” things. I liked to read. I liked to learn. I was excited to go to school. I took advanced classes. I did school competitions. The whole nine. Somewhere near the end of elementary school, this became part of my personality, part of who I am.

In middle school, my friends and I shared books, passing them on to each other when we finished reading. I remember us reading the Pretty Little Liars series, before a tv show was ever thought of. It was fun, to read and talk about the books with my friends. It was cool to have friends that read, because people (my siblings) made it seem weird if you liked to read.

For no clear reason, I stopped reading for leisure in high school and college. The best excuse I have is: I was juggling too many classes and attempting to have a social life. After I graduated, that pattern continued into adulthood. Before I knew it, I hadn’t read a book for leisure in years. I had books on my bookshelf, and I even added books to it, but I wasn’t reading. I kept a running list of books people recommended, but I didn't read any of them. I’m not sure why. It could’ve been any number of reasons:

I didn’t know people who loved reading.
I was hesitant to pick up an old habit.
I didn’t make time to read.

A little over a year ago, I found myself making friends with a coworker (again). She taught reading and I ventured to her classroom during my planning period to see her lesson. We shared some of the same students and I was interested to see them in action in a different environment. I distinctly remember coming in on the class reading Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper (classic novel choice). They had a debate and were starting to work on an argumentative essay. When I tell you my heart lit up… reading, writing, AND arguing; some of my favorite things to do.

I dibbled and dabbled in Tears of a Tiger, but didn’t actually read it. The book that brought me out of retirement was Long Way Down by Jason Reynolds.

I had not read a novel in YEARS.

This book held my attention from start to finish, combining my love of reading, poetry, and Black stories all in one. I read it because my coworker-turned-friend’s class was reading it and I wanted to participate in the discussion. After that novel, she started to suggest a lot of novels to read, but I was a little overwhelmed. I had just started to warm up again. Eventually, I had an answer for her very persistent, “So what are you reading?” question. I organized my running book list by topic and grabbed a book off my bookshelf. It was like falling in love all over again. Thank you for reintroducing me to reading and making it so easy to get back into it. I started reading other novels, non-fiction, and self-help. I even ventured to find more people who like to read.

January of this year, I launched a book club. I had no plan, no set group of people, no name, nothing. I just knew I wanted to read and talk about books with other people who actually read. I put together a group of cool ass millennials who are the definition of balance. We have fun, but also get into the book. We crack jokes, but also talk about serious issues. We support each other’s goals and we listen to one another. It’s been beautiful to build. Huge shoutout to Alex, Mahalet, Tiffany, Kadeem, Jordan, Sakeina, Brandi, and Whitney for bringing great energy and laughter to the space every time we meet.

This year, we’ve read: Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes, Concrete Rose by Angie Thomas, Hurricanes by Rick Ross, and Master Your Emotions by Thibaut Meurisse.

We’re currently reading: Kindred by Octavia Butler.

I found myself back where I started, reading and discussing books with a group of friends. If you read books, articles, poetry, etc, leave a link in the comments to something you recommend others read. If you don’t have a suggestion right now, search one of the books I mentioned or come back later to read the comments.

This journey was… circular. I could look at it like, “Wow, this is pointless, I didn’t go anywhere” or I could look at it like, “Wow, I’m grateful to return to myself.” I love that I can see perspective from more than one side, yet I still get to choose how I see it. This week, reconnect with an interest you had as a child. Explore it by yourself or with a friend. You might be surprised to find that you develop a new perspective, thought, feeling, etc.

Travel Tip #7: Sometimes the journey is traveling back to the beginning.

Stay connected,

Mai

P. S. Each week, I ask you to do something. If you end up exploring the question/task, tell me how it goes. I love hearing from those who share and I’d love to hear from you, too. Even if you just want to share your thoughts about the blog or a post, I want to hear from you. Always love.