I love to read…yet I never actually do it. I tell myself I have zero time, but somehow I manage to scroll Instagram, comment on Facebook or save Pins?! Seriously, I annoy myself sometimes. Anyways, I’ve had a few books on my nightstand for weeks and have struggled to just sit down and read them. At night I am exhausted and, honestly, after the kids go to bed, my brain kind of turns off. My nighttime reward for being an “adult” all day is usually a sitcom. I would much rather watch a show, have a quick laugh, and fall asleep. But then I wake up the next day with regret staring right at me in the form of a paperback. I swear I want to read. But it just feels so damn hard. But finally – I figured it out, and in this post I’m sharing how I found time to read!
How I found Time To Read
Audiobooks
My husband and I are taking a Love & Logic parenting class at our daughter’s school (I highly recommend!!), and during one of the sessions it was mentioned the founders created audiobooks – and a lightbulb went off in my head. When I used to commute several hours a day to work I would listen to audiobooks and absolutely loved them. Why I had forgotten they existed I will chalk up to ‘mommy brain.’ So the light went off – and I found my solution – I could listen to the books in the car (to/from school, to/from soccer, sitting in traffic, etc.).
Overdrive App
And here’s the best part…the audiobooks aren’t costing me a dime! I’m using the Overdrive App which allows you to check out digital copies of the book from your local library (for free!) and download to your phone or tablet! I immediately put in a request for a few books I have been dying to read (i.e listen to) and within a day I received an email that Yes Please by Amy Poehler was available for me! After the book downloaded, it was ready to go (no wifi or data usage).
Yes Please
So over the past week, the kiddos watched their favorite movie in the back of the car with headphones on, and I enjoyed the best week of driving ever listening to Yes Please. It is by far, one of the coolest books I have ever read (or listened to). If you are familiar with Amy Poehler on SNL or Parks and Recreation, you know how incredibly talented she is, and to listen to her narrate her own story was just amazing. Absolutely hysterical and incredibly endearing, Amy tells tales of growing up, giving birth (which is probably my favorite chapter), and her adventures in the improv and writing world.
What I took away from the book was immense inspiration and remember to take life with a little more fun – no one is perfect and everyone has their own path – the trick is to hone in on your passion and just enjoy the ride…but definitely still work your butt off, nothing comes easy.
So for those of you out there that feel there’s no time to read – audiobooks are your answer.
Find a book that makes you laugh, cry and leaves you feeling inspired. Since finishing Yes Please, I am now onto Tina Fey’s, Bossypants, and it is equally fulfulling. Whether I’m in the car, on a run, or cleaning the house, my audiobook is playing and I just love it. ♥
So give me suggestions on what to read next! I’m able to read (i.e listen to) about a book a week, so will need your ideas! I’m a big fan of fierce female motivation – so tell me…what should be on my book bucket list?
About the Watch
Speaking of time, the watch I featured in this post is the ‘Philosopher’ by Nordgreen, a Scandinavian lifestyle brand focused on sustainability and minimalism – something we could all use a little more of. Available in multiple finishes, I have the gold with a 40mm watch diameter and gold mesh strap. The straps are also interchangeable so you can mix and match. The designer, Jakob Wagner, is one of Scandinavia’s most heavily awarded and respected designers, with over 20 years of experience designing for international companies including Bang & Olufsen and Hay.
Nordgreen also has a ‘Giving Back Program’ which allows customers to support a social cause with each watch purchase. They offer customer’s the unique ability to donate part of that purchase to the cause in the fields of health, education, and the environment.
- Education: 2 months of education to a child in India.
- Health: 2 months of clean water to one person in Central African Republic.
- Environmental: Preserve 50sqm of rain forest in Latin America.
WAIT!
Did you know saving this post to Pinterest supports my blog AND helps your friends know about cool stuff? Just click any image in this post and PIN!
XoXo Portia
Disclosure: This post is in collaboration with Nordgreen. The opinions expressed here represent my own, which I take great pride in providing pure honesty…because I’m OBSESSED with sharing the Good!