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Enjoyed reading this with my morning coffee. It very much resonated with me. I have slowed my reading down a lot this year and I feel it is helping me slow other parts of my life down too. Deep diving back into Hilary Mantel is a particularly joy as well as really exploring some poetry. There are books that are written to grip the reader and make them keep turning the pages which I have read and enjoyed, but it's the conscious choice that is keeping me grounded and content.

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So nice to hear that it resonated! I definitely agree, that slowing down my reading has helped a lot on other parts of my life.

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Ah thank you so much for the kind words! Tis an honour to be included alongside Jess Pan - a true substack great!

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Of course! I really enjoy your substack - I get to be nerdy and all giddy about old stuff!

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Jul 19Liked by gabby

I keep a reading journal. I hold conversations with my characters by writing in the margins. I use emojis when I laugh with them and hearts when I feel their emotion. I record quotes and make notes when I glimpse the writer I want to be and the writer I don’t. How can one rush that?

I’ve been simplifying my life lately by making less goals. Goals are good in moderation. Not a driving force in everyday life IMO. It’s hard to be present when your constantly thinking of the end.

Thanks for sharing!

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Less goals sounds like a good plan for a calmer life ☺️

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I love this! Thank you for sharing 🤩

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Thank you for reading! 💛

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Thank you for sharing my post on memorable characters! I'm so glad you enjoyed it. It's so fun to go down memory lane and remember the characters we've loved so much

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💛It really is!

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THIS was beautiful 🖤

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Thank you! 💛

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deletedJun 27
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It has been a positive turn of events! I do not think I’ve actually realized how quickly I would get through books. For some it’s half the joy, where you are just so invested that you can’t out it down, but for others, it’s a huge benefit to just take it slow. Who knew slow reading could be so satisfying? 😂

I really enjoyed your piece and it caused me to reflect on my own experiences on these platforms. It’s easier to see it now, when I have the distance to it.

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