I didn't finish any books 😅

It’s so easy to fall into the trap of feeling guilty when your reading goals don't quite pan out. I totally get it! My November wrap-up was a big fat zero books finished, and for a moment, I felt that familiar pang of disappointment. But then I remembered: reading is supposed to be a joy, not a chore. Life happens, and sometimes, those other passions just take over – like diving deep into 'Dragon Age Veilguard' with my boyfriend! Honestly, gaming has been such a fun escape, and it’s a reminder that hobbies can be seasonal. For anyone else out there who loves the idea of reading a book but struggles to keep up, here’s my take: ditch the pressure. We live in a world where everyone seems to be powering through their Goodreads challenge, but what truly matters is finding enjoyment in what you do. Maybe you pick up a book like 'Daughters of Nri' or a thriller like 'Lights Out' and realize it’s just not hitting right now. That’s perfectly okay! There’s no rule that says you have to finish every single book you start. I’ve learned to embrace the 'Did Not Finish' (DNF) pile without shame. Sometimes, a book just isn't for you at that moment, or your mood isn't right for 'Blood Moon' or 'Joyland.' Instead of focusing on numbers, I try to focus on the experience. Did I enjoy the parts I read? Did it spark my imagination? Even if I only got a few chapters in, that’s still time spent in a story. And sometimes, those few chapters are enough to decide it’s time to put it down and pick up something else later, or maybe never. It's all part of the journey for people reading a book. If you're looking for ways to rekindle your reading spark without the pressure, here are a few things that help me: Audiobooks are a lifesaver: Perfect for commutes, chores, or just chilling. It’s still ‘reading’! Short stories or novellas: Great for quick wins and feeling accomplished without a huge time commitment. Re-reading old favorites: No pressure to discover something new, just pure comfort. Join a no-pressure book club: Or just chat with friends about what they’re reading. The community aspect can be motivating without being competitive. Don't be afraid to put a book down: If 'Highly Suspicious and Unfairly' isn't grabbing you after 50 pages, it's okay to move on. Your time is valuable. Don't feel obligated to finish a book just because you started it. This goes for books like 'Do Not Disturb' too – some stories just aren't a fit. Set realistic goals: Maybe it's not 100 books a year. Maybe it's just one book a month, or even just reading for 15 minutes a day. Small, consistent efforts add up. Ultimately, my November experience taught me to be kind to myself. It's not about the quantity of books, but the quality of connection I have with stories, whether they’re in a physical book, an e-reader, or even a video game narrative. So, if you're a person reading a book, or trying to, remember to enjoy the process and never let guilt overshadow your love for stories.