The Slow Reader Blues: Am I Falling Behind?

Confession time, book lovers. I'm feeling... sluggish. Like a snail trying to win a race against a cheetah. My reading pace, once a source of pride (or at least, mild satisfaction), has dwindled to a crawl.

Let's break it down: one book this month. Two measly books last month. That's it. In a world where some people seem to devour novels like they're going out of style, I'm feeling decidedly... behind.

And I know, I know. Reading isn't a competition. It's not about speed or quantity. It's about enjoyment, immersion, and the sheer magic of getting lost in a story. But still, a nagging voice in the back of my head whispers, "You could be reading more."

The Comparison Trap:

It's so easy to fall into the comparison trap. Social media is a highlight reel of everyone's best reading moments. Bookstagrammers post stacks of finished books, Goodreads users update their progress with impressive speed, and bookish influencers seem to read a novel a day.

Seeing these posts, I can't help but feel a pang of inadequacy. Am I not dedicated enough? Am I not prioritizing my reading time? Am I just… slow?

The "Life Gets in the Way" Excuse (But Is It Really an Excuse?):

Of course, life happens. Work, family, chores, social obligations – they all demand our attention. And sometimes, reading takes a backseat. But is it really just "life getting in the way," or am I letting other things steal my precious reading time?

I've been examining my habits. Am I scrolling through social media for hours instead of picking up a book? Am I binge-watching TV shows when I could be turning pages? The answer, unfortunately, is yes.

The Fear of Missing Out (FOMO) on Books:

With so many incredible books being released every month, I feel a constant sense of FOMO. What if I'm missing out on the next big thing? What if everyone's raving about a book, and I'm the only one who hasn't read it?

This fear can be paralyzing. It leads to adding even more books to my already overflowing TBR, creating a cycle of overwhelm and further slowing down my reading pace.

Reclaiming My Reading Joy:

So, what's the solution? How do I break free from the slow reader blues and rediscover the joy of reading without feeling pressured to keep up?

Here's what I'm trying:

• Ditch the Guilt: I'm reminding myself that reading is a personal journey. There's no right or wrong pace.
• Focus on Quality, Not Quantity: I'm choosing books that truly interest me, even if they're longer or more challenging.
• Schedule Dedicated Reading Time: I'm treating reading like any other important appointment and blocking out time in my calendar.
• Embrace Audiobooks: When I'm busy with chores or commuting, audiobooks allow me to enjoy stories without having to physically hold a book.
• Unplug and Unwind: I'm making a conscious effort to disconnect from social media and create a quiet, distraction-free reading environment.
• Celebrate Small Wins: Even if I only read a few pages a day, I'm acknowledging my progress.
• Remember why I love reading: I need to remind myself of the joy of getting lost in a book.

Ultimately, I'm learning to be kind to myself. Reading should be a source of pleasure, not stress. And if that means I read a little slower than others, so be it.

Are you ever plagued by the slow reader blues? How do you overcome it? Let's share our experiences and remind each other that reading is a marathon, not a sprint!