In defense of reading

If the subject of reading for pleasure comes up in day to day conversation, most people will reply with a haughty "I just don't have TIME to read." Then, I get a look of disdain, as though all I do is sit around, eat ice cream out of the carton, and read trashy romance novels. Reading for pleasure shouldn't be something that one has to defend; It should be a natural part of daily existence. Instead of watching "Grey's Anatomy"- I read. Instead of talking on the phone for hours on end, I read. Instead of playing video games, I read. Instead of doing laundry, I read.

So maybe that last example isn't so positive, but hey, the laundry manages to get finished. Reading to me is like breathing. It is as natural to me as drinking water when I'm thirsty. It calms me when I'm stressed, and it soothes the mind before I go to sleep. It gives me something to look forward to at the end of a hectic day.

So for all of you non-readers out there, give it a shot, I say. Find something you're interested in, and then read more about it. This might sound a little bit preachy English teacher, I realize, but you just might surprise yourself. Give yourself the gift, and don't be afraid to defend it.