Spring Into Reading and Discover Yourself
You might not know this, but I am a pretty avid reader. I pretty much always have one or more books going at any one time. You can check out what I've been reading lately here. And I've been known to stay up FAR too late just to read "one more chapter" pretty much since junior high. My sleep has certainly suffered through the years, but it’s not a habit I’m especially motivated to break. Some people binge watch, I binge read.
Books are not only a source of knowledge and entertainment, but even the campiest romance novel can lead you on a journey of self-discovery. With spring in the air, I am sharing some tips on how to use whatever fiction you like to read to inspire some inner reflection and get to know yourself better.
Know Yourself
As you immerse yourself in a favorite fiction book, you may find yourself relating to the characters, learning from their experiences, and gaining fresh insights into your own thoughts, emotions, and desires. It can even inspire you to act or react differently in your own life.
As the characters work through their struggles until the inevitable Happy Ever After, ask yourself how you would have handled it.
Do you feel ‘stuck’ in the same way that the main character did?
Would you have tolerated the poor behavior of another character?
How would the character’s life turned out if that plot twist situation hadn’t happened?
Would you have given that person another chance if you were in their shoes?
Have you ever let a situation derail your dreams like they did in the book?
How can you learn from the act of courage it took to overcome the obstacle they faced?
Can you imagine a new way to navigate your own life now?
Download this list + a few extras as a free printable guide to use with your book club or as journal prompts.
Notice Your Own Stories
Your life is guided by the stories that you tell yourself basically every moment of the day.
Seeing how someone else navigated an unexpected situation or life problem can help you start to tell a different story in your own life.
With each turn of the page, you may uncover new layers of yourself and embark on a journey of self-discovery that could inspire personal growth and positive change.
If you want to go deeper with your book club or on your own, check out the guides I created for three books that gave me something to think about. Each of these books has a story within them that will guide you toward knowing yourself on a deeper level as you contemplate the life journeys each of these characters went on (and had a bit of fun along the way).
Go Inward
What books have been on your reading list? What holds you back from helping them come off your TBR pile?
How can you think of your own life as a story you can shape and change the outcome?
Use this prompt to help you think of your own life as a story you can shape and shift the outcome of your journey of living a life that lights you up.
And if you want some extra encouragement to help you with your journaling practice, download my free guide!
So, why not embrace the season of spring and renewal and take some time to nourish your mind, heart, and soul with the power of books? Leave a comment or connect with me on Instagram and let me know your request for my next book guide!
Discover new worlds, gain new perspectives, and learn more about yourself along the way. Happy spring reading!
*post may contain affiliate links
Stephanie Rose is a mom, wife, business owner and a forever student in finding ways to know herself better. She acts as guide for your own journey, sharing insights, tools and practices to help you remember your magic and live a life that lights you up. Sign up for her newsletter and check out her free resources.