The Small Reading Ritual That’s Been Grounding Me Lately
My tiny habit that’s helped me stay present, hopeful, and turning pages.
Unfortunately, like many people in the United States right now, I was laid off from my corporate communications job back in March. Those first few days were a blur of fear and uncertainty. The job market felt impossible, and I knew it might be months before something new came along. I’ve always been a writer (hence the career) and a lifelong reader, so I figured I might as well do something creative with my newfound free time….and so Latte Lit Musings was born. If you couldn’t tell by the name, I have an unhealthy love for caffeine (and am not ashamed).
Even while navigating the emotions that come with suddenly losing your job and steady income, I threw myself into building my website and writing book reviews. I’ve always loved reading, but like many others, I go through slumps. It was something I’d been wanting to get a handle on for a while, and I thought: why not now?
At worst, no one would ever read my reviews or reflections. At best, it would give me something to focus on and keep my mind from drifting into darker places. It also helped me reconnect with my reading goals. And, I’m happy to say I’ve stayed on track, which has brought me a lot of joy.
To keep myself from slipping back into a slump, I created a small reading ritual I try to do every day. I always settle into a cozy spot – usually the couch or my papasan rocking chair. (Sometimes the chair is too cozy and I end up dozing off, but not always.) I make sure I have a drink nearby, whether it’s an iced coffee, juice, or water. And then I commit to a set amount of reading time. Just enough to get through a chapter or two, but not so much that I burn out or lose interest.
Doing this, and sticking to at least 30 minutes to an hour of reading each day, has helped me stay on track with my ever‑growing TBR and my goals. Last year, I aimed for 10 books and didn’t even make it halfway. This year, I set a goal of 15 (ambitious, I know) and I’m already on book four. If I keep up with my routine, I can see myself reaching that goal and maybe even surpassing it.
Having my book blog to focus on has been a comforting distraction from the “horrors of the world” (IYKYK) and a grounding way to get through this period of unemployment. It’s helped me stay focused, stay creative, and stay mostly positive about wherever my career goes next. Writing has always been my go‑to; I’ve kept diaries and journals for years, and have had blogs in the past that fizzled out when life got busy. This time, I’m being honest with myself, staying consistent, and hoping to grow with my writing instead of letting it fall to the side like before.
Have you ever found yourself starting something and then losing interest? What rituals or habits help you stay accountable?
– Niki