Good Distractions: The Fine Line Between Nurturing & Procrastination

Yesterday, I found myself reflecting on the way we assign moral value to certain habits. Specifically, reading—something that’s typically seen as a productive and enriching activity. I realized that during a period in March, when I was procrastinating on a lot of things, I spent a significant amount of time reading.

If reading wasn’t considered such a positive, enriching habit, I think I would have caught myself sooner. But because reading is generally seen as beneficial, it was harder to recognize that I was using it as a distraction. It made it easy to ignore the fact that I wasn’t addressing the other things I needed to do—the tasks I had been putting off.

I think we all have experiences where habits or hobbies we once loved and used for self-care start to hold us back. Just because something is “good” doesn’t mean it should be used as a crutch. This reminds me of a metaphor I once read about hermit crabs. They grow out of their shells, and while the shell served its purpose when they were smaller and vulnerable, it becomes uncomfortable as they grow. They need to shed it to grow further, even though it means leaving themselves exposed.

The lesson here is that we sometimes need to shed the things we’ve outgrown, even if they were once protective or comforting. It doesn’t mean that they weren’t helpful at one point, but sometimes holding onto them too long can hinder progress. We can’t let what once nurtured us now hold us back from making courageous moves.

So, as I move forward, I remind myself that the things I love—whether it’s reading or any other comforting habit—shouldn’t be used as a reason to avoid the difficult, but necessary, steps in life. Sometimes the hardest choices are the ones that lead to the greatest growth.

Currently Reading & Watching

I'm currently reading Emily Henry's new book Funny Story, though I haven't had a chance to start it yet despite hoping to finish it this month. Life has been busy, so it's moving to my June reading list. Next up is The Paradise Problem by Christina Lauren, whose work I also love. These two authors are automatic purchases for me.

I also have Kennedy Ryan's This Could be Us on my May list, and I feel so grateful. What a wonderful time to be a reader of romance and contemporary women's fiction.

Bridgerton Season 3 is out, but I'm waiting until the final 4 episodes release in June before starting my watch.