Read a book instead

A new year's resolution

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Hi there,

Every year, millions of people make new year’s resolutions hoping to spark positive change in their lives. Reading is one of the most popular resolutions for many, including myself. This year, like the past three years, I am participating in the 52 books in 52 weeks challenge, and really hoping to accomplish my goal this time.

Five things to share:

1. Often, we turn to our devices because the alternative sucks. The alternative is boredom: The alternative is emotional discomfort we seek to escape. Why not escape with a book instead? Reading is an excellent alternative to mindless digital entertainment. A motto for 2021: Read a book instead.

2. I read some wonderful books this year: Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg Mckeown; Caging Skies by Christine Leunens; I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings by Maya Angelou; Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind by Yuval Noah Harari; and Joy at Work: Organizing Your Professional Life by Marie Kondo: So, so, so, so good! Here’s the full list.

3. Why does almost every recipe online start with a 7-page personal memoir as the introductory monologue? An alternative: Silently Cooking is a YouTube channel created for those of us who don't want to skim through long cooking videos. I personally watch it for purely tranquility purposes, but the recipes are also mouth-watering.

4. A quote I want to share with you:

   How we spend our days is, of course, how we spend our lives.
   — Annie Dillard

   How are you planning to spend your days in 2021?

5. Throughout the years, I have learned three practical tips to make reading an immensely enjoyable leisure activity: Quit reading books you don’t like, cut out distractions, and remove friction.

That’s all for this week!

Bye, bye 2020.

Thank you for reading, and please share with anyone you think may benefit.

If you’re seeing this newsletter for the first time, you can below.

Until next time,

Mehret