More Joy, Less Pressure: A Bookworm’s Guide to the New Year
Ah, the start of a new year! That magical time when we all pretend we’re going to become completely different people overnight. This year, bring more happy little things into your days — no stressful resolutions required! Here is your bookish guide to the new year!
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Oh, hey! Can we talk about how exhausting New Year’s resolutions are? I’m so over that whole “new year, new me” pressure cooker. This year, I want something different, and I think you may like it, too. Grab your mug (I’m sipping on hazelnut coffee right now) and let’s chat about bringing more of the good stuff into our lives.
Discover here how to choose LESS so you can have MORE in the new year.
Your Bookish Guide To The New Year: Decide What You Want MORE Of!
I don’t want impossible goals. I do want more little happy moments. So instead of those guilt-inducing resolutions, here’s what I’m craving more of this year:
Friend Time, Please!
After two transatlantic moves in six years, I value true friendships more than ever. Even though I’m now within an hour’s drive of my closest friends, life has this sneaky way of filling up our calendars. But there’s nothing – absolutely nothing – like those belly-laugh sessions and deep conversations with your people. This year, I’m penciling in more friend time and making friendship a priority, not an afterthought.
Sleep (Because I’m Not 20 Anymore)
Real talk: I’ve been treating sleep like it’s optional, and my body is basically giving me the side-eye. Time to finally accept that “just one more chapter” at midnight isn’t doing me any favors!
The Magic of In-Person Bookish Adventures
Don’t get me wrong – I love our online connections (hi there, internet friend!). But this year, I’m craving more real-world literary adventures – think author readings, bookstore tours, library events, and literary field trips. I’m also starting a local chapter of my Words On Location book club, where we’ll explore book settings and literary spots around DC. How fun is that?
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Reading Together (Because Books Are Better With Friends)
Sure, reading is technically a solo activity, but sharing books? Simply the best. In addition to my Words On Location book club, I’ve found another local book club to join. Plus, keeping our online community growing, too. There’s something special about geeking out over books with people who get it, so I’m surrounding myself with those people.
Books in the Wild
This year, I want to spread the bookish joy beyond my reading nook. I’m looking for ways to volunteer with literacy programs and maybe organize some community book swaps. Books change lives, and I want to be part of that magic.
Quality Time with Real Pages
Look, audiobooks are my faithful companions during chores and commutes, but there’s something irreplaceable about holding an actual book. The paper smell! The page-turning sound! You know what I’m talking about. I’m carving out more time for these quiet moments with physical books.
Your Next Chapter
Come hang out with our community of book-loving friends and share your happy bookish moments this year! We’re all about more joy and less pressure in our reading lives. You can find us in the Words On Location Facebook group, where we chat about all things books and life.
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What a lovely post. Yes to more of the good times with friends. Off to check out your bookgroup. THat’s something new for me!
Here’s to you and your good times with friends this year, Lydia! I look forward to getting to know you (and talking books, of course! 😊).