Several years ago I lost my ability to read. I had zero reading fitness. I was unknowingly subject to the inflammation of chronic Lyme disease. The inflammation went into my left eye. The next thing I knew I could see nothing out of that eye. During a time following my detached retina I had a problem with my vision and focus that didn’t allow me to drive or read.
I felt isolated from the world in a way that was new for me. I craved input. Before that time I was an incessant reader. After my pneumatic retinopexy surgery, I slowly recovered, but didn’t have the ability, focus and concentration to read as I had in my past.
I realized I was missing a key avenue of learning. The ramifications of my life moving forward without reading were dull and dismal. I determined to regain my reading muscles and up my reading capacity and fitness.
Ways back to reading regularly
First I tried just looking at magazines. I would read for ten minutes then look the pictures. Then I gave myself permission to read really light easy stuff (romance and science fiction are my light categories ) as long as I read.
I transitioned to books over the next year, but then arthritis in my hands really limited my capacity. My hand were so achy and weak, I just couldn’t hold a book for long enough to enjoy it. I bit the bullet and got over the need for the feel of a book in my hands.
E-Reading
I invested in an e-reader. When the price of a kindle went down, I got one for Christmas. It is the best thing ever. I read easily from it and it adjusts print size with one touch. This helped with my new need for reading glasses. I started to enjoy reading again, but I found my eyes tired too quickly.
Listen To Read
Next stop the library for audio books. I love to read at my local library! Share on X
The Hudson Public Library is the library I most often go to. Libraries are an amazing community resource that I really appreciate. There is a fantastic collection of audio books at the local library that you can check out and listen to for free. Most of the free audiobooks on line aren’t really free or are just free for a limited time. This link seems legit. but it doesn’t have many popular titles.
The Next Christmas I got an Audible membership for my present. I listened to books at the doctors, during detox activities, commuting and at the gym. Between the various sources I mange to read several books a month. Now I am reading books on health, wellness and self improvement. Authors like Nora Roberts or John Grisham still sneak in once in a great while for fun.
Build Your Reading Fitness
Reading is such a gift, it opens the world and allows you to see the imagination and creativity of others. I really feel grateful I have regained my interest ability and capacity to read. It took a couple of years and some new technology, but it is so worth it. Get social with reading. Join a Book Club, or Good Reads.com, or follow Oprah’s Book Club http://www.oprah.com/book. Get involved with a reading group at your local library. They have large print books.
Have fun with it and just read what interests you. If you have tired eyes or concentration issues find another way to read. Know someone who has trouble focusing on the printed words, help them read. Rebuild reading muscles and really enjoy and learn from the printed word.
The information provided in this blog is not a substitute for professional medical care, treatment or advice. All the material here is for information purposes only. Always share strategy and work with your health care team.