I developed a practice of personal development reading because I had an itch. It existed right there under the skin telling me I was missing something, whispering in my ear that there is something more I could be doing. That there is more to life, really. My friend Brittany, you’ve heard about her, had begun a practice of reading for personal development each morning and so I thought I’d give it a try. And, it has been so rewarding. 

As an avid reader I will read anything: fiction, nonfiction, chick lit, memior, biography, peer-reviewed research in scientific journals and tabloids. And so I’ve read personal development books in the past. But, on those occasions it was more of me choosing to read those books that were on the bestseller list for fear of missing out. I was, I’ll admit, a bit of a book snob, looking down my nose at the self help section. 

Practice makes perfect

However, since making it a practice, it has made all the difference. What do I mean by that? I mean that I do so regularly. I am receptive to the messages being presented to me, I’ve made space in my head and my heart to be so. And I journal afterward, about those messages that resonate with me. Well when they resonate with me, I meditate on them, apply them to what’s going on in my life and often leave my reading chair with a lighter heart and a fresh perspective. 

If you were like me, looking down your nose at self-help books, please re-consider this. Different messages come to people in different ways and, as readers, we know the best ways for messages to come to us — through reading! 

Scratch the itch

If you are like me and get that itch, give this personal development practice thing a try. One day at a time, a few pages with your morning tea or coffee (or preworkout in my case), perhaps at a different time altogether, but make it your time. Open your head and your heart to the written messages others have taken the time to bestow on others and let them sit with you. Perhaps, they will scratch that itch, as it does with me. Perhaps, it will bring the itch to the surface and cause you to confront it. That’s pretty awesome too. 

Go forth, my reader friends, and grow through books 🙂

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