Wednesday, August 4, 2010

What Brings You Joy?

Joy. Webster's Pocket Dictionary defines joy simply as gladness or delight. Many things bring me joy. There are the obvious things - like my children, my husband, our family, and our home. Those things are a given. But, other things delight me as well. Simple things. One of those simple things is the joy of reading a book. I have had a love of reading for as long as I can remember. When I was five years old, Santa Claus brought me a set of colorful hardback books that included such classics as Black Beauty, Heidi, and Alice In Wonderland. I thought they were beautiful! I treasured that gift of books so much, even at the young age of five. And, I still have those books, proudly displayed on my living room bookshelf.


As a child, my mom would often get up in the middle of the night to find me reading in my bed when I should have been fast asleep. I just couldn't help myself. I would say, "just one more chapter, Mom." My mom and I would take weekly trips to the public library. I couldn't wait to get there and see what books I might find and bring home. Wandering through the aisles, browsing at all the books. That brought me joy.

As an adult, reading continues to bring me joy. To me, there's nothing better than choosing a book - whether it's by the story description in the book jacket, or the beautiful and interesting cover. It's a way to escape life's daily little stresses. Reading can take me anyplace I want to go. I can become anyone I want to be. If only for a little while. Reading can fill me with hope and excitement. It can also move me to tears or even make me afraid. No matter what, it always leaves me with a feeling of accomplishment.

In today's age of technology, many are turning to e-readers of one type or another. While I think that this is a fun and unique option for reading, I will still always prefer to hold an actual book in my hand; to dog-ear the page corner to mark my place. The thrill as I turn the book's page is too great for me to consider going digital in that department.

Reading books truly brings me joy!

“This post is part of SOYJOY‘s What brings you joy contest. Learn more here.”

6 comments:

The Mommy Mambo said...

Don't you just love books? Wel, ya, that's what you said, right?
Me too!

I just can't grasp the NOOK like a book with an uncracked binding! The smell of fresh pages steaming with the smell of the mystery of what lies within!
Loved your post!

septembermom said...

I so agree with you Kari. I just started reading more regularly again and I'm loving it!!

Dixiechick said...

I too have been an avid reader since 5 years old. My favorite first set of books were the Little House on the Prairie set. I don't have as much time to read now as I would like, but still make monthly trips to the library with my kids. I have a bookshelf full of books I have read. What type of books do you like to read? Who are your favorite authors?

Keri said...

Great question. Really nice blog. You have a fabulous name, but a funny way of spelling it. Never the less, you must be a fantastic lady. I'm following,

come visit my sandwich blog. It's just fun and I could use the support. Thanks, Keri

Paper Mom said...

Seeing that picture makes me feel joy! I had the same set! i wish I still had it to share with my children!

Unknown said...

Oh! Good answer. I LOVE love LOVE books. Books are the best. I have a few new ones to dive into this weekend and I am already getting super excited!