June proclaims a break in hard work. June demands we push the pause button and relax. School is out, signaling us trade backpacks for beach bags, and parkas for sunscreen. As we shake off the rigors of schedules, we look forward. The best way to unwind is with a good book. “Wait,” you say. “I just closed the books on required reading why would I pick up a novel?”

The reason is summer reading allows us the freedom to choose. Research shows pleasure reading creates positive emotional and social consequences. Self-directed reading increases empathy and reduces stress more than activities like taking a walk or listening to music. The key is to have fun. Whether you read alone or share with friends, family or your favorite book club, pick what interests you, or a genre outside your comfort zone.

What are you reading this summer?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

There is a wonderful picture painted in these words. I can conjure images of a cool misty morning sitting on a boat deck. The day’s possibilities point toward infinity while birds sing their early morning songs. Sitting at my side I have a good book, my morning cup of coffee and a fresh fruit plate. Water splashes against the boat’s hull and adds to the symphony accompanying the words I am reading.

Where do you like to read?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer

Change is difficult. We find the latest technology, the newest app to simplify our lives, or an improved device to increase our productivity. We run faster and faster trying to keep pace with the bleeding edge. We grasp at soft data, opinions, and conjecture. It is simpler to accept marketing claims and easy answers. Decisions made by the seat of our pants may have long-term consequences. Supposed perfect solutions encourage us to ignore facts. Comfortable beliefs are easier to trust than complex concepts or challenging situations and the results can be disastrous.

As counterintuitive as it sounds, there are benefits to slowing down. It allows us to check data, verify statistics, assess our needs and determine if we are moving in the right direction. When we allow ourselves space to entertain new ideas and envision improvements we construct a vision of our future. Some of the best stories, great insights, and breakthroughs come when we give ourselves time to think. Thoughtful reflections of our options, application of logic based on facts, gives us confidence in our decisions. We don’t have to second guess our choices and that reduces our stress. Courageous and self-assured we can zoom into the future.

Would one of your projects benefit from slowing down?

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Keep on writing.

Jo Hawk The Writer