Is It Ever Too Late to Start Reading? Exploring the Benefits of Reading at Any Age

Think of a good book as a nourishing meal – it truly feeds your mind and helps you grow.

When I turned 50, I found myself in that 'empty nester' phase, something many women experience. I felt a bit adrift, wondering what my purpose was now. Remember, I was the chief caregiver in a military family. That was a full time job no matter what else I did. My daughters were grown, my grandchildren were arriving, and even my youngest, still at home, was becoming increasingly independent. My husband was deeply invested in his career, and while I had multiple pastimes they weren’t filling the void.

Then, a wonderful opportunity came along – a phone call that led to a potential job with a nearby business. This experience was truly transformative. Endeavoring into a completely new industry (I’d been a teacher, a musician, an administrator and an HR specialist before) It showed me that my life wasn't winding down; it was actually beginning a vibrant new chapter. Part of this transformation was rediscovering my love of reading. Surprisingly, it was mandatory for this job.  And this time, I discovered books about business, team building, personal development, and professional and mentoring relationships. It was eye-opening! I had no idea how much I'd enjoy learning about business analysis, tracking progress, and mentoring others. I can undeniably say that embracing books and personal growth once more defined my next chapter. It gave me new purpose.

So, if you're standing at a crossroads, feeling a little unsure of what's next, I wholeheartedly encourage you to pick up a book – perhaps one you'd never normally consider. Explore new ideas, challenge yourself, and step outside your comfort zone. You won't regret it, and you might just discover your next passion, your next 'why'!

If you're looking for inspiration, I'd love for you to take a peek at my 'Favorites Bookshelf'. You might find your next great read there!" 👉🏽👉🏽 Good Reads