Yes, definately I use reading to escape. In fact, I have realized that recently I am doing way too much of it. Sometimes after work; I can hardly wait to get through my chores so I can crawl into bed with a book. Meanwhile, life needs to be lived, memories need to be made and people need to be loved and ministered to. Granted, I could not have done this before the "empty nest" hit.
I have escaped both physical pain and emotional pain by reading...years ago I had some oral surgery done and since most pain killers make me sick I stopped at the library and picked up 2 thick and absorbing books to read. Every four hours I took my tylenol and kept reading...by dawn the pain was much better and I had enjoyed reading both books.
I also remember my mother escaping this same way the day my dad passed away after a lengthly illness...we were all adults and went together with her to make the arrangements. When we got home she got into her bathrobe and spent the rest of the day in her room reading. The next day she was her usual source of strength and comfort to those around her. She just needed some TLC and a few hours of escape through reading. Reading gives you a short "time-out" so that you can gather up your reserves and deal with what you need to.
However, the bottom line is that the laundry does not get done, the garden does not get weeded and it is all there still waiting for you. Reading like chocolate is very pleasurable; but one can over indulge in both...and it shows!
posted 2 years ago. ( reply )
