During 2020, the initial COVID year, I read A LOT with the excess downtime. More than I probably ever have. I reignited a childhood passion that I had lost. Then once life picked back up in 2021 I didn’t prioritize making time for it, and I honestly felt the difference in my mental health. The thing is I always feel so calm after reading. The calmness of my mind after intellectually stimulating activities like reading or journaling or even podcasts, removes my least favorite qualities about myself and moods I can get in when my mind is not centered on what’s important. After time spent reading, I do not feel any resentment or defensiveness or sadness from comparison or antsy or not enough. I feel grounded and empowered by my mind from the ideas I get whilst having a calm headspace. In this mindset I authentically feel more grateful for what I have and who I am. It seems silly that such plain mundane activities like reading can make me feel all of these things, but it truly does...