Read Everywhere

So far we’ve explored reading and journaling as educator self care, the benefits of reading and journaling, and some logistics of reading and journaling. Since we’ve covered the problem, the why, and the what, today we’ll begin diving into the where. First, however, I have a tale of vacation vomit to share.

Around 8th or 9th grade, I went on vacation with a friend and her family. On the trip were her mother and father, her brother and his best friend, and the two of us. We had just spent a fun day at the beach, but unfortunately, our outing ended when my friend got stung by a jellyfish. We loaded up the van and were driving to get her some medical attention when my stomach started gurgling. I thought I would be fine, but by the time her dad parked the van, I realized I was wrong. We parked, and her parents had just opened the door to help my friend out of the van, when I shoved my friend out of the way, launched my head into the fresh air (my fingers gripping the van’s frame to stabilize myself), and expelled the entire contents of my stomach onto the parking lot. The two boys marveled at how readily they could recognize the bun and pickles from lunch.

While growing up, my parents taught me never to vomit all over everything – to always have a vomit plan, because you never know when the need will arise. Reading is similar. You never know when an opportunity to read will present itself, so you should be ready in case it does.

So where should you read? Wherever is safe – at home, in the car (when you’re not driving or can listen to your text), at school, at work, on a bus, on a plane, in line at the grocery store, while brushing your teeth (I saw my daughter doing that once and thought I really need to up my reading game). You get my point. One key to fitting reading into your day is releasing the notion that reading has to happen in a quiet, relaxing spot. Another is to have a plan.

You can read just about anywhere, as long as you’re prepared to do so. I often wonder where people like to read. I’m sure Kamala Harris will enjoy reading in the White House for the next 4 – 16 years. What about you? Where do you like to read?

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I am doing a 31-day series on reading and journaling as self care for educators. Each day of the series has bonus journal prompts. Click to join the LELA House family of educators committed to nourishing their reading, writing, and creative souls. You’ll receive a link to the journal prompts and gain early alerts for upcoming LELA House ideas, courses, and products. You only need to subscribe once. I will add a new worksheet each day to the access link.

Roshaunda D. Cade, Ph.D. is an educator, writer, and creator.  She offers life coaching and writing coaching to educators, as well as other opportunities for educators to practice self care through reading and writing. Check out her LELA House website to learn more about her services.  Roshaunda lives in St. Louis, MO with her husband and teenage children and enjoys reading, writing, dancing, and pushing her creative boundaries.