I heard someone say the other day, “That person is really smart. They read a ton of books.” I thought to myself about the amount of books I’ve read and how I could be perceived as smart. Do people even notice others reading books? Do other people still read anything other than media? Is reading a book what defines someone as smart?
I’ve dipped my toes in self help books and have found that to be surprisingly rewarding. I’ve read a few of my college textbooks and all of my liberal arts books as well. I also love a good business savvy book that holds the key to unlocking success. Just about every inside cover claims that. Only a few have held true to the bold statement. Having said that I’ve read books, is not why I claim to be smart by the way. Most of the time, I start a book, become fully engaged in it, try to talk to other people about it, and eventually move on to another without actually having finished. Same goes for a new series I try to watch on TV. I can sometimes stick with it, otherwise I find the next best option. My attention to movies on the other hand lasts until the resolution. Because everything is so clear in some films and novels, I am intrigued throughout the entirety of both. Yet, textbooks, self help or business books usually don’t have the, “grand moment,” or conclusion I’d really fall in love with.
I’ve come to the conclusion that the same idea happens in life. We all come to the point where we get bored with the page after page, day by day, motions of life. We can either move on to the next best thing, or stick with what is right in front of us. We may have come so far, dedicated so much time to it, but we think moving on seems so much smarter. Because, what is right in front of us requires a little bit more attention. Although it may not be the most grand stand, iconic, beautiful drama, there’s something to say for those that stick their nose in pages and finish the book.
My most recent love story wasn’t like the movies or novels that we’ve all read. It was more of a textbook type of love. It had all of the elements, but it required some hard work, a lull, some parts I hated, dreaded even. In the end, it wasn’t a grand moment that kept me around, I wanted what was right in front of me. I decided to work through the conflict and word problems of the textbook. I wasn’t looking for the next best thing in the relationship. Even though, I was looking for the next best career move, I stuck around. So, I worked hard for my relationship. I loved being fully absorbed in our relationship, enjoying whatever life had thrown at us. Even the job I wasn’t fully I love with, at least I had someone to share the pages with. I began to appreciate all of the little things in life. Just when you think you have what you want, someone else closes the book. His grand moment was not being captivated by our story. He saw a different ending, and wasn’t interested in finishing the book.
It’s strange isn’t it? How someone who has read books, moved on to the next best thing, and been perceived in so many ways, had been so stuck. Someone outside of our relationship had said to me, “I’ve dated girls like you before.” My mind blew. I am like no other person I have ever met. I took it as an insult. How dare some no good, cheat, tell me that I was like a girl he had dated?! After another month of my self help books, I began to feel thankful for that girl I was compared to. I was like another girl, we wanted to make something work, we would’ve done anything to stick with it, and find happiness in what was unfolding in front of us. Some may say reading books is for smart people, but really slowing down is for smart people.
Our life is not for someone else to control and close because they can’t slow down. Taking time to acknowledge and appreciate what you have developed in your life is incredible. I’m so thankful for women like me. Women who aren’t so quick to move on to the next best thing. An attitude for gratitude goes a long way. I’m so grateful for slowing down, and enjoying the small moments in this page turner of a life.
Nice job! I love to read self development book. They have helped me through a lot in my life.
Keep your chin up and strive to be better every day!