It’s Saturday, and that means I’m joining up with Ruth Ayres to share, connect and celebrate. Let’s find those moments of joy and share them with each other – the world could always use more positivity, especially when things seem their darkest.
It’s been a hard week. A close family member has been given a serious medical diagnosis, and we’re all still in shock. One minute your life is just ticking along like normal, and the next the rug has been pulled right out from under you, leaving you staggering around in a daze.
In life’s harder moments it can feel just feel too difficult to find anything worth celebrating. In reality, though, it’s precisely at these moment when you need to focus on life’s joys more than ever.
As a life-long reader, one of my greatest comforts during life’s hard times has been reading. Books have always been my escape, allowing me to slip into their pages and step into new worlds far away from all of life stresses. Characters have become my friends and allies, taking me with them on exciting journeys and epic adventures.
And now, I turn once again to books. Old favourites welcome me back with open arms, while new favourites introduce me to their exciting worlds and delightful characters. Reading can’t change life’s realities, and it certainly doesn’t do to escape too completely into imaginary worlds. But when things just seem a bit too much to take, and you just need to get away, even just for a moment, books will always be there, waiting to take you as far as your imagination desires.
Here’s to the stories that help us find encouragement, inspiration, and hope.
I’m so sorry, Jane. My prayers for you and your family. You wrote: “But when things just seem a bit too much to take, and you just need to get away, even just for a moment, books will always be there, waiting to take you as far as your imagination desires.” And I thought, This is why my heart beats for teaching kids to read.
Thank you, Alice, I really appreciate it!
I have so much respect for passionate, committed teachers who help foster a love of reading. You’re absolutely empowering children, and providing them with a lifeline to help them get through life’s regular ups and downs in a healthy and rewarding way. You guys are our superheroes!
I am so sorry to hear about your family member. Books can bring joy during the good times and the hard times. That brief escape is sometimes just what is needed at the moment. It’s so true that finding the joy is even more important during the hard times. I’m glad you are finding things to celebrate even during a difficult period in your life.
I’ll be honest, I’m not naturally a positive or optimistic person. It’s all too easy for me to wallow in negativity, which is part of why I’ve joined this little Saturday celebratory group, and I’ve really found it so helpful to have a reminder to spend some time actively focusing on the good and the positive!
Sending prayers for your family member as well as for the caretakers. I have had the rugged pulled out from me before and I also found solace in books. I am hoping for a better and stronger week of celebrations ahead for you.
Thank you! I’ll take all the prayers and good wishes I can get. It’s amazing how much comfort and encouragement can be found in the pages of a good book – I have so much respect and appreciation for the authors who share their stories with us, and have such an impact on our lives.
I understand that life is fragile and uncertain and am glad that books are one way to find peace.
Absolutely – as Hermione always says, when in doubt, go to the library! 🙂
We never know when our live will change, do we? So sorry for the shocking medical diagnosis received this week. I’m glad you were able to focus on the fact that books provide a haven, a place of encouragement, inspiration, and hope. Blessings as you and your family face the days ahead.
This has definitely been such a great reminder of the unpredictable nature of life – you just never know what the future holds! This can definitely be a source of anxiety or fear, but it can also be an inspiration to try and live life to the fullest! Thank you for the kind wishes, they are much appreciated.
I’m sorry for your bad news, Jane, and hope that as you start on the journey of finding ways to help that person, you will find hope too each day. I understand about the reading. Books have always been a solace to me. Hugs to you.
Oh, me too – I was so lucky to grow up in a home surrounded by books, raised by book-loving parents. Favourite stories can be like warm hugs on dreary days. <3
Sorry to hear about your family member. My aunt had bad news this week as well and started chemotherapy. She’s my mum’s age but still, I’m reminded of the fragile nature of ‘life’.
And I’m with you… books are a huge comfort!
Chemo is just the worst. :'( You always hear about these things happening to other people, but you never think they’ll happen to you!
Books provide comfort and encouragement, and never ask anything in return – they’re the perfect company when life just gets a bit too draining!
Sending warm wishes during the difficult health time in the family. I hope the doctors will have positive solutions. Love celebrations of books and reading.
Thank you – I appreciate the good wishes! The doctors have been so supportive, and I am so, so, so thankful for universal health care. I can’t imagine having to deal with all the emotional strain of dealing with a serious illness while also having to worry about financial issues. Just another reason I’m glad I’m Canadian!!
Having a family member recently diagnosed with cancer, I understand. And you are correct when you say this is the time we need to focus on those joys…no matter how hard that may be some days. Books have always been a treat and a retreat for me, too. Prayers for you and your family.
Cancer is the absolute WORST. It’s the kind of thing that you never think will happen to you, and then out of the blue you’re looking up chemo information and support groups. It’s the worst. I appreciate the prayers!
I am so sorry, Jane…life has a way of reminding us that sorrow, uncertainty, and struggle may well be just around the corner from our placid every day. Glad that you can find comfort in books and the universal truths they offer us through story.
It’s so easy to take the good days for granted – one day you’re longing for more excitement and interest in your life, and the next you’re missing those days you once felt were too boring and dull. Thankfully, as a librarian I get to surround myself with books every day, so I’m never too far from a good story!
I will say a prayer for your loved one. I hope you find just the right book for this time in your life.
Thank you – all prayers and thoughts are much appreciated! I often find myself turning to much-loved books, books I’ve read so many times that I don’t need to read them too carefully, since I already know what’s happening. Perfect for when the old brain isn’t quite functioning at its proper level.