In all honesty, I needed to feel inspired by this project this week. Last week, reading felt a lot like a chore- hence the late and unenthusiastic post- and I’ll admit now that it’s not the first time I’ve felt that. I do love reading and always have, but every once in a while this feels like I have an obligation I’d really like to avoid. I think that’s okay. The fact that I’m now on week 28 and haven’t given up yet or taken a week off feels like a lovely sum total, but I won’t lie: feeling prisoner to a project- however fleeting the feeling- is that much harder when it’s entirely self-imposed.
With that in mind and knowing I’d have some time to catch up because of the Thanksgiving break, I thought I’d take a couple of days off from reading- catch up on some TV, veg in front of the computer, finish up a few projects- and then pick up the Kindle again and keep on going. And again, for honesty’s sake, it took a little more effort to get back to it than I’d like to admit. But I did it.
For inspiration and- okay, fine- commiseration, I chose a book that also revolved around a woman issuing herself a challenge. She got a book deal out of it, but we can’t all get everything. (That said, if you’re a book publisher and want me to write a book about reading, I’m in.) Noelle Hancock was laid off from her job, and inspired by the Eleanor Roosevelt quote, decided to do one thing each day that scared her. The definitions of “doing” and “scaring” were both loose, which I appreciated- a commitment to her project while acknowledging reality. It’s a harder balance to find than type-A me realized, and I’m still coming to terms with managing my own expectations for myself.
I was definitely into it- so into it that I read it in just a few hours. It was admittedly part out of desperation because I was coming up on that self-imposed deadline of a Saturday finish, but perhaps also subconsciously- and to borrow another of her quotes- to do the thing I thought I could not do. The thing I thought I could not do wasn’t so much reading a book in a day (been there, done that), but in renewing my commitment to and interest in this project.
This book may not be the most intellectual book that has ever existed, but it’s exactly what I needed this week: a blend of funny you’re-not-alone anecdotes and humble reminders of a woman who made real change in the world while facing huge obstacles. While Noelle was a modern look at how challenges are, in fact, challenging, there is no greater role model than Eleanor Roosevelt when considering how tenacity can make significant impact. Before even knowing of this book’s existence, I encouraged my sister to do a project on Eleanor, so it’s both fitting and timely that I find inspiration from the First Lady I spoke so highly of just a few weeks ago.
From here on out, I’ve promised that I will just keep going. I am most anxious about the feasibility of this project during reading season, but this entire endeavor is as much about reading as it is about accepting that there will be tough weeks. There will be more bad books. The interest in reading isn’t always going to come naturally and sometimes I am just going to have to cope with posting on Wednesday instead of Sunday and other times I am going to have to deal with the fact that I chose a not-so-great book for myself. But other times I am going to be in love with what I am reading. I’m going to feel inspired (again). I’m going to cry on the metro and laugh out loud while in line at Whole Foods and enjoy both books the same.
Among all of her incredible and endless wisdom, there is a quote about accepting your own limitations from Eleanor Roosevelt that Noelle references in the book. It’s a good quote and a good reminder, but I’m going to save that for another time, when it’s really something that’s a limitation. For now, the wisest words come not from a former First Lady, but the author’s therapist:
“You can’t wait until you feel ‘ready’ to take a risk- you’ll never feel truly prepared.”
Something tells me Eleanor would agree.
You’ll like this if: you’re feeling a little discouraged and need a little inspiration. Also, if you appreciate a history lesson mixed in with personal, modern day anecdotes.
Happy reading!
carlyreads 