Chaos to Calm – How Reading Became My Greatest Escape
I’ll be honest: I didn’t grow up loving books. As a kid, reading felt like a chore—something I had to do for school, not for fun. It wasn’t until my early 30s, while navigating the chaos of raising five kids, that I truly fell in love with reading. At that point in my life, books became more than words on a page; they became my lifeline. Now, reading isn’t just a pastime. It’s my escape, my reset button, and my way to recharge so I can show up as my best self for my family. Let me share the three reasons why reading has become a life-changing part of my world.
Expanding My Knowledge and Perspective
One of the most beautiful gifts of reading is how it opens your eyes to new perspectives and ideas. Fiction, in particular, has a way of putting you in someone else’s shoes, allowing you to experience the world through their eyes.
Take The Night Circus by Erin Morgenstern. When I first picked up this enchanting novel, I had no idea it would change how I view creativity and possibility. The vivid imagery, the rich characters, and the imaginative world reminded me that magic isn’t just for fantasy novels—it’s something we can create in our everyday lives. Books like this have expanded my understanding of human experiences, showing me how different—and yet similar—we all are. Whether it’s through a fantastical love story or a historical narrative, fiction has the power to teach empathy and offer insights you might never encounter otherwise.
Escaping Into New Worlds
Let’s face it: life with five kids is equal parts beautiful and chaotic. Between school runs, laundry mountains, and meal planning, there are days when I crave a little escape—and that’s where reading comes to the rescue. I’ll never forget the first time I picked up A Court of Thorns and Roses by Sarah J. Maas. It was a whirlwind. I found myself swept into a lush, dangerous, and utterly mesmerizing world filled with fae courts, high-stakes drama, and slow-burn romance. For hours, I was Feyre, navigating magical lands and epic battles.
Books like this aren’t just entertainment—they’re a mental break. They’re my version of self-care, allowing me to recharge and reset. After escaping into a good novel, I feel refreshed and ready to tackle the chaos of my day with a renewed sense of energy.
Personal Growth and Self-Improvement
Beyond offering an escape and expanding my horizons, reading has become a vital tool for my personal growth. There’s something incredibly powerful about picking up a book that challenges the way you think or inspires you to improve your life. Books like You Are a Badass by Jen Sincero have been life-changing. Jen’s no-nonsense advice helped me ditch self-doubt and step into my own confidence. Another favorite, Loving What Is by Byron Katie, taught me how to navigate life’s challenges with more grace and acceptance.
These books aren’t just about self-help—they’re about self-discovery. The lessons I’ve learned from these pages have spilled into every part of my life. Whether it’s creating healthier habits, shifting my mindset, or being more present with my kids, reading has been my guide.
Conclusion
Reading has changed my life in the most unexpected ways. It’s helped me expand my knowledge, offered me an escape from the beautiful chaos of motherhood, and fueled my personal growth. It’s more than a hobby—it’s my reset button, my lifeline, and my favorite way to recharge. If you haven’t found your love of reading yet, it’s never too late to start. Whether it’s a fantasy novel that sweeps you away or a personal growth book that inspires change, there’s a story out there waiting to transform your life. Happy reading!
