I’ve always excelled in reading and had a passion for writing. That’s why I do what I do today. Growing up, you’d often find me buried in a book, getting lost in another person’s fantasy. Reading then encouraged me to write. I wanted to be like those authors, enchanting my audience with words on page, taking them to another world to meet new people and live different lives.

As an adult, reading for pleasure and I have had an on again, off again relationship.

These days, I listen to audiobooks when I’m driving or exercising. Perhaps once a year I download a book to my Kindle. I haven’t been inspired in the way I am with books in years, and I haven’t written for pleasure in just as long.

Nearly two months ago, I was furloughed from my full-time job. The pandemic had taken its toll, and there was much uncertainty around when we would get to go back.

Since I had just moved only weeks before to a new house, I spent the first couple of weeks unpacking, cleaning, and organizing. I worked on content pieces for clients. I caught up on a couple of TV shows. I started working out every day. I enjoyed the unseasonably warm weather in my new back yard.

Then, I got stuck. I didn’t want to spend any money. Everything was closed. I wasn’t working, and the freelance business was slow. As a person who thrives on working and being busy, I started to struggle mentally.

And then, I picked up a book.

In the past two weeks, I’ve plowed through six non-fiction novels. Danielle Steel (a long standing favorite) took me through whirlwind romances and Mary Higgins Clark led me through intense mysteries and murder. And I fell back in love.

I forgot how it felt to simply sit, even for hours. I forgot how it felt to not be able to put a book down, to feel like I have no other choice but to keep turning the pages. There’s something about holding a physical book that can’t be matched. Something about finding a spot in the house or on my patio, sipping coffee or a glass of wine, and simply reading.

It’s also helped me fall back in love with writing. And while I write regularly for my clients, it’s not the same as writing for pleasure. Feeling a poem run from the tip of my pen. The sound of the laptop keyboard as I click out a short story. The comfort of my journal in my hands.

I believe in order to be a strong writer, you have to write. Not just for business, but to enjoy words flowing from your fingers. I also believe you have to read. And while I love reading books about successful entrepreneurs or industry topics, sometimes you have to give in to that romance or murder mystery.

It’s so important to love what you do, and believe in why you’re doing it. To be inspired. To feel passionate. I believe that’s what makes you different from others, and it’s why I started this business. And while these times are tough, they’ve reminded me to go back to the basics and remember why I do what I do.

I hope if you find yourself with more time these days, or even if you don’t, you make time to fall back in love with what you love. To remember why you love it, and get lost in yourself, even if just for a few minutes.