Hey Friends,

I’ve loved reading for as long as I can remember. My love for books started in elementary school. I remember bringing home stacks of library books, getting excited about book fairs, and staying up just a little later than I should have because I wanted to finish “just one more chapter.”

Back then, reading felt like an adventure. Every book opened the door to a new world, new characters, and new stories. I didn’t realize it at the time, but those early experiences built a lifelong love for reading that would grow even stronger as I got older.

As I moved into my teenage years and eventually adulthood, life naturally became busier. School, work, responsibilities, and everyday life filled my schedule. But even with everything going on, reading was always something I found myself coming back to. It was comforting, familiar, and something that always made me feel a little more like myself.

Then I became a mom.

Motherhood changed so many things in my life, including how I spent my free time. My days quickly became filled with diapers, meals, school schedules, cleaning, and making sure everyone else’s needs were met. Like many moms, I realized that time for myself suddenly felt very limited.

At first, it was easy to let my hobbies fall to the side. When you’re taking care of a family, it can feel like there isn’t much room left for personal time. But eventually, I realized something important: taking even a small amount of time for myself helped me become a better, more present mom.

That’s when reading slowly became one of my favorite ways to unwind.

One of the things I love most about reading as a mom is how flexible it is. I don’t need a huge block of time or a complicated plan. I can read a few pages while my daughter is sleeping, during quiet time in the evening, or before going to sleep at night. Even just ten or fifteen minutes with a book can feel like a reset after a long day.

Reading also gives me a chance to step outside of my everyday routine for a little while. Whether I’m reading a novel, a thriller, or a personal development book, it allows my mind to explore something different. For a moment, I’m not thinking about the laundry, the dishes, or tomorrow’s to-do list. I’m simply enjoying the story in front of me.

As I’ve gotten older, my appreciation for books has only grown. What started as a childhood hobby has become one of the most meaningful parts of my daily routine. In many ways, I actually enjoy reading even more now than I did when I was younger. As an adult, I understand how powerful stories can be and how valuable it is to make time for something that brings peace and joy.

Another reason reading has become such a special hobby for me is the example it sets for my kids.

Children often learn by watching what their parents do. When she sees me sitting down with a book instead of constantly being on my phone, it shows them that reading is something people enjoy—not just something they have to do for school. I love the idea of creating a home where books are part of our everyday life.

Sometimes we read together. Sometimes they flip through their books while I read mine. Those quiet moments are some of my favorites.

Reading also reminds me that it’s okay for moms to have hobbies. It’s easy to pour all of our time and energy into caring for everyone else, but we deserve moments that are just for us, too. A hobby doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming to be meaningful. Sometimes it’s as simple as picking up a good book and allowing yourself to enjoy it.

Looking back, I’m grateful that my love for reading started so early in life. What began in elementary school has grown into something that still brings me comfort, inspiration, and joy today.

And now, as a mom, reading has become more than just a hobby. It’s a small daily reminder to slow down, take a breath, and enjoy a story—one page at a time.

My Life As A Mom