Leafing Through {Happiness}

We read to know that we are not alone. ― William Nicholson

It is what you read when you don't have to that determines what you will be when you can't help it. ― Oscar Wilde

The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go. ― Dr. Seuss

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies, said Jojen. The man who never reads lives only one. ― George R.R. Martin

What is it about reading a book that gets people so excited? Many recent series seem to have reignited America's passion for reading. But to many the joy of picking up a book for personal pleasure is still lost. The most popular reasoning I have heard for not reading is that the person gets the same fulfillment out of watching a television series, or that they will wait for the movie to come out and then they will be in the loop.

Well just like our discussion yesterday about why learning and new experiences feel good to your brain, reading falls into the same category. When watching television or a movie you are accepting the images given to you and are not actively using cogitative skills to decode, as you would while reading (as discussed in ReadingVersus Television: Which Is Better?). Reading is more engaging for your brain and therefore is more pleasurable for you. I know you think being lazy feels good, but it has zero benefits to your health and happiness.

However, these scientific reasonings don't even come close to eclipsing my main reason for reading: it's the cheapest escape you can buy. Not only can you experience countries, views, and information you have never known, but you can see yourself through new eyes and reevaluate your life direction stress-free. So, it's also the cheapest form of therapy a person can buy.

Pick up a book. Your brain will thank you.

Imagination is more important than knowledge. - Albert Einstein

Looking for a good author? Check out this related post: Favorite Author: Ayn Rand

Experience {Happiness}

Why does it feel great to learn? Dopamine. Check out this article, Learn something new - your brain willthank you, where Dr Gary Marcus discusses why it feels good for your brain to learn a new skill.

However, you don’t need to pick up a new musical instrument or learn any knew skill to experience the dopamine rush that learning will give you. Get out and experience the world! It has become quite apparent to you, I’m sure, through reading my posts that I have a lot of interests: lots of DIY projects (haircoloring, making over my bedroom, earrings, and crafts), traveling, and I guess it’s inherent that I love writing also (poetry included).

Steps to make getting new experiences easier:

Make a List

I know I harp on this idea a lot, but list-making . . .  well, it makes life easier. Make a list of places you would like to go and things you would like to see. For example, on my list I would include bands I want to see, like Florence + the Machine, Punch Brothers, Neko Case . . . , cities I have never visited, such as New York and Chicago, as well as National Parks I want to see yet.

Set a Date

Decide exactly when you will do the things you want. Get your planner out now, load a new tab and do a Google search, make the necessary texts to invite friends. Go on. Do it.

Execute

Actually follow through with your plans. Your friends dropped out on you? Go anyway, make new friends while you’re there. An event got cancelled? Find a new one. Go through with your plan. Execution is key.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. - Mark Twain