There was a time when reading was a regular part of my life. I have shared about that in my first blog post in this series.

I would get excited about starting a new book, finding an author I loved, or staying up a little too late because I couldn’t put a story down. But somewhere along the way, life got busy, and my reading remained in one season of life.

I never intentionally stopped reading.

I just stopped making time for it; consistently.

When Reading Became “Something I’ll Get Back To Someday”

For years, I told myself I wanted to read more.

I would look for great deals on books. I had the best intentions on reading more. I added titles to an unorganized system (make it make sense…it doesn’t)! The TBR grew from time to time. The books I got sat untouched.

At the end of a long day, it often felt easier to scroll social media or work on various aspects of my business. The last thing I wanted to do was to open a book.

Until last year. When several aspects of my life and what I like to call my personal world shifted. In a major way that I did not expect. As I started to analyze my life and the time that I had, I realized a few things.

• I missed getting completely lost in a story.
• I missed learning something new.
• I missed the feeling of turning the final page of a great book and immediately wanting to tell someone about it.

Finding My Way Back

The funny thing is, I didn’t make some huge decision to become a reader again.

I simply started small.

A chapter here.

A few pages there.

Ten minutes before bed.

A few minutes while waiting for an appointment.

A break during the day and in between my new routine.

Instead of putting pressure on myself to finish a certain number of books, I focused on enjoying the process again.

And little by little, reading became part of my routine.

Then, it all changed this year. At the start of 2026, as I started my Bingo Boards and evaluating other things I wanted to do for myself and my home, I knew reading needed to be a goal. I quickly re-downloaded the Goodreads app again, created a goal, and continued reading as it worked for me.

Digital Reading Changed Everything

One of the biggest reasons I have been reading more consistently is because I stopped limiting myself to physical books.

While I still appreciate having a physical book in hand, I have been surprised by how much I enjoy reading digitally.

Most of my reading happens through the Kindle app on my phone, with occasional reading on my iPad.

Having access to books wherever I go has made a huge difference.

Whether I am wanting a break from what I am doing during the day, taking intentional time at home to relax, babysitting, or on the road, I always have a new book available to me.

As someone who enjoys traveling (and set new PRs in the last 3 years), it is also incredibly convenient not having to pack multiple books or worry about running out of reading material halfway through a trip. While my travel schedule has looked really different for 2026, I am so grateful that I have this option to take books digitally with me.

Reading Has Become More Than Entertainment

One thing I didn’t expect when I started reading again was how much it would positively impact other areas of my life.

Reading gives me an opportunity to slow down.

It helps me disconnect from notifications, emails, and the constant stream of information that comes with being online.

Some books make me laugh.

Some teach me something new.

Some challenge the way I think.

Others simply provide a much-needed escape after a busy day.

No matter the genre, reading has become a way to intentionally create space for myself. This has been another goal of mine this year and while I am not perfect, I know that we can all use a little more personal time.

Why I’m Sharing This Journey

One of the reasons I created Homebase Reads is because reading has become such an enjoyable part of my life again.

This is not about becoming a book reviewer or reading a certain number of books every year. My life will continue to change and evolve. I know that my current reading pace is NOT sustainable long term. I am okay with that. But, do not get me wrong, I am taking advantage of soaking in and enjoying different books while I have *extra* time to dedicate to myself.

For me reading is now about:

• Making time for something that brings me joy.
• Learning, growing, laughing, escaping, and occasionally finding a story that stays with me long after I have finished it.

Through Homebase Reads, I will be sharing what I am reading, some of my TBRs, other recommendations, and so much more.

My Final Thoughts

If you are someone who used to love reading but feels like you have fallen out of the habit, you are not alone.

What I have learned in this current season of life is that reading does not look like HOURS of uninterrupted time or a goal of reading dozens of books each year.

Sometimes it starts with a single chapter.

A few pages before bed.

Or downloading a book you’ve been meaning to read.

For me, that small step led to rediscovering a hobby I did not realize I had missed so much.

I am really glad I found my way back.

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A Question for You!

Have you always been a reader, or have you recently rediscovered your love of books too?

I would love to hear what you are currently reading or what book helped you fall back in love with reading.

Happy Reading,
Emily