Sometimes I am scared to pick up a book. I worry that once I open it, I will become lost. The dishes will not get done, the washing will languish dejectedly in the corner and dinner, well let’s just say we will be lucky to find enough bread to make peanut butter sandwiches.

I know that once I pick up a good book, it is nearly impossible to put it down. Although I sometimes wonder if this habit signals an obsessive nature, what I can say with certainty is, I love reading and, if I have a good book in my hand, I want to read and read and read until it is finished.

Does that mean I have low will power?  

I do feel guilty. I cringe when I see the house in disarray and a ‘to do list’ which reaches gleefully toward the horizon. But, I cheerfully let it all slide for the opportunity to spend a few stolen hours curled on lounge, or wrapped in bed, utterly immersed in an alternate space. The kids roll their eyes, the phone is ignored and only the most extreme call of nature is answered. I am elsewhere.

And yet, I am in the moment. I am mindfully placed, completely focused on the task at hand. I am also aware. I realise that in choosing to pick up that particular book I am choosing to put everything on hold until I resurface. So, I choose my reading time and material carefully. I call it reading responsibly.

There are books which can be easily read in bite sized moments. For me, these are generally nonfiction, topic based tomes. In particular I like to read motivational or innovative anecdotes and theories, particularly in the morning. These types of books inspire me to think actively as I reflect upon what I read. Newspapers, journals (on or offline) and blogs may also provide fodder reading. Then there are the stories which are interesting rather than being intriguing. These are the books which can be picked up and put down as needs arise.

Thankfully I recognise which is which. I recognise my obsession with stories and accept that I must time my reading so that I fulfil my responsibilities while still meeting my desires. I delay gratification, waiting until I know I have a day for the book. My book is patient. It knows it will have my full attention… later. For now I give my complete attention to the people and tasks at hand. Mindfulness.

Why have I written his post? Why do you think?

As any student who has sat in my classes knows, I generally answer a question with a question so that you may search inside yourself for an answer that resonates with you. I have accepted that I am obsessive when it comes to reading particular books. I have been able to do this because I have taken the time to get to know myself and my motivations. What do you know about yourself?

Can you see how knowing who you are and can help you maximise your strengths and minimise your weaknesses?

Reading makes me stronger. It enhances my creativity, offers time to simultaneously relax and reboot my mind, and it proffers joy. Although it may seem as though I momentarily turn into a lazy, antisocial and selfish individual, I resurface as a relaxed, motivated and compassionate person. I simply need to get the timing right and read when it is appropriate to read. I have the choice to be responsible for my own actions.

How can you use your knowledge of yourself to make responsible choices?