In a time when we often find ourselves divided instead of united,

Be reminded, there is only one force that overcomes fear and hate,

LOVE makes US great!

Welcome to the eleventh month of LOVE makes US great! This blog follows a monthly formula. First week – bringing more love to ourselves. Let’s start loving.

This week, I did something that brought back vivid memories from my childhood. I visited one of my local Public Libraries. I was immediately greeted by the sound of children and young people chittering and laughing. A little bit of shushing as well. 

I inherited, learned, or both, my love of reading from my grandmother. I’m told that when Gram’s own children were little, she would wake very early to have an hour to herself to read before the three pairs of little eyes opened. A few decades later, during summer vacations, she would take her four grandchildren to the library once a week. No bar codes back then - remember the little slips of paper taped into the book covers with the return date stamped in and the click of the stamper?

I spent those summers traveling to cities around the world, to the woods, to the prairie, into oceans, and even to Mars. I even time-traveled to the past and to the future. Right now, I'm exploring Appalachia. Last month, I was in Oxford and Seattle, and before that, I visited Japan.

Now, most of my reading is done with e-books that don’t require a visit to the physical library. I didn’t realize how much I miss the IRL experience. There is something magical about wandering through the physical stacks until a title jumps off the shelf at me, inviting me to explore. I’m committed to doing that more often.

Reading simply for the fun of it is one of the ways I take care of myself. Even only a few minutes before bed, I can explore the world and enjoy the diverse styles of so many creative authors. Reading expands my exposure to different experiences, places, and perspectives. In pursuit of fun and relaxation, I’m getting the two-fer of expanding my heart. Maybe that’s what Gram knew she was really building in all those trips to the library.

Making time to read and expand perspectives is self-love in action. Please share, what are you reading right now?

Love requires participation. 

Love requires sharing. 

Love requires action. 

Love requires commitment. 

With gratitude,

Joyce Aiko

(Yes, love really is my middle name.)