Hi, Everyone! I know I’m late to the New Year’s party, but since 2023 is still in its infancy, I want to wish you all a wonderful year. To start off the year, I ‘ll offer readers a series on self-care through literacy. As one of my friends likes to say, “Life gets lifey.” We can all benefit from discovering new ways to relax and feed our spirit. From personal experience, I know practicing self-care pays dividends, not only for yourself, but for your loved ones as well.

Literacy includes not just reading, but writing, speaking, listening and even watching. Literacy has the power to connect, educate, entertain, influence, sooth, and magically span time and space. For me, literacy is the golden thread that weaves my life together. Over the years, I’ve discovered the benefits of intentionally using various forms of literacy as a means of self-care and hope to share some of my insights and the insights of others.

Most of us realize the importance of modeling if we want to entice our kids to follow suit. In this series, I’ll highlight how reading, writing, speaking, listening and watching can enhance your life, calm your spirit, open your mind, and offer enjoyment, relaxation and knowledge. Youngsters follow our lead. Perhaps this series will spark some ideas for you and benefit your child in the process.

For starters, please consider these questions and reflect on areas where you would like to change or grow:

• Do you read for pleasure?
• How many books do you typically read in a month?
• When was the last time you visited a library or book store?
• Do you journal or write on a regular basis?
• Do you ever write to clear your head?
• How often do you discuss articles, books, movies, or podcasts with others?
• When was the last time you had a meaningful conversation with someone in your immediate family?
• Do you belong to a book club, writing group, choral group, or support group of any kind?
• Are you selective about what shows and movies you watch?
• Do you regularly engage in some form of literacy to relax?

Let me leave you with this thought-provoking fact: In a 2009 study, the University of Sussex found that reading can reduce stress by up to 68%.” What are you waiting for? Find a good book and relax!

Look for the next post in this series to appear on Wednesday, February 15th.