Why reading is essential for my slow life

[@suebrown436]

Love hearing you talk about books and would love you to do this again sometime. Books mean everything to me - I couldn't live without them!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw thank you! I will definitely do more book content :)

[@henrysmom1742]

Im in my 60s now but can relate to everything you said. I began reading as a young child to escape my tumultuous homelife but it grew into a lifelong habit. Because I love reading I bought an e reader a few years ago, but slowly stopped using it. Once I switched back to physical books I rediscovered the joy of a good book. Something about the kinesthetic of page turning, the smells of paper is important to the experience. Also when I read I put my phone and tablet in another room so I am not distracted. Lastly I usually have a few books going at a time and carry a book in my bag wherever I go. Also loved the music of this video

[@dragonfly9209]

I agree 100%. I too, stopped using my E reader. Seeing my stack of books on my bedside table--is very gratifying. I love the physicality of books.

[@pinkypanchal3439]

I agree and that’s what my daughter does . She carries a book wherever she goes . I m a kindle person but I want to switch over to physical books asap. Sometimes I wonder how will I do it if I m at work etc . But real long a physical book is an extremely fulfilling experience

[@jannybranciforte9295]

I believe I’ve commented before about my desire to become a real reader, but sporadic as I have been in the past. I am reading the Anne of Green Gable series and absolutely adoring it. I’m on the 5th novel, Anne’s House of Dreams. I just turned Seventy, and it’s never too late to begin new things that bring us joy. Thank you Molly for this video. Also, for the gorgeous scenery and divine music which so beautifully expresses the genteel sensitivity of your channel and you. 🙏🌻💜

[@hippyhighlandliving]

That's so wonderful to hear! Anne has brought so much joy to my life too :)

[@hippyhighlandliving]

UPDATE - I'm so pleased to say we gave away all the books. I really hope everyone enjoys their copy and thank you so much to everyone that joined our live podcast. It was a magical experience! :)

[@bronwenwakefield9140]

Thank you very much. What a lovely treat.

[@bojanmajic]

Thank you, just ordered mine.

[@annaparticolare6455]

I'm also an avid reader but for me what worked best was reading the tips suggested by a famous French author, years ago. He stressed the complete freedom that comes from and in reading, meaning also that there are no rules to follow in it or rather, that you can break any rule. So there's no shame in dropping a book you're reading without finishing it, if you feel you don't like it anymore or if it doesn't suit your present mood. Plus, you're completely free to read your book in whatever order you prefer, starting from the middle, skipping some bits or even starting it from the end, if you feel like. Since I'm a rebel inside 😉 i loved those tips, maybe they can benefit someone else too 🌸

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I love these tips too! Thank you for sharing :)

[@clairejohnson5408]

I loved reading as a child and sometimes would read all night, I was an only child and quite shy, I had my first baby at at 19 and my fourth and last at 38 so I didn’t have time or the energy to read for a long time but now my youngest is 17 I’ve started again, I used to feel almost embarrassed by the books I enjoyed because I felt they weren’t intellectual enough, I enjoy novels set in the past ( sort of Catherine Cookson) now I just don’t care I suffer with anxiety and anything that stops me overthinking is good, I started out reading some of my sons Michael Morpurgo books which got me back into the swing of things, at the moment I am loving The Last Summer a novel set in and around the time of the evacuation of St Kilda, can’t wait to get my hands in the next one 😮

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I'm so glad you've found reading again. And well done for sticking to what you enjoy! :)

[@clairelabriola]

It's so true that we can often internalize a lot of "shoulds" in reading and it's important to catch them :)

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Agreed :)

[@laurenab]

I love to read and I love peaking at other people's bookshelves, l'art de la simplicite is one of my favourite books.

[@cindy7702]

Books books books.. in every nook... I love them

[@skyviolet9555]

I adore books so I'm always happy when you include them in your videos :) Some of my happiest childhood memories are about books, I'd always read. Sometimes life gets in the way so I can't read as much as I'd want to, but last year I decided to make an effort and read more, so far it's going well :)

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw amazing! Good for you :)

[@jessiemillard4704]

Reading has always been such an important part of my life too, ever since childhood. I do agree how important is to let yourself read the sort of books you actual enjoy! Always have a book on the go and re-read many of my favourites ❤

[@christianbruce13]

I've binged watched your channel over the last couple of days whilst knitting a scarf. Your content is lovely and shares so much of what resonates with me. Thank you.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw thank you lovely! :)

[@KarinaSVTamera]

Congratulations on the partnership Molly🎉👍👏

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you!

[@DibBaggy1]

Growing up I always had my head in a book I used to go to the library with my dad & spend hours trying to decide what books to take home I’d take them all if I could have! I Love that you share your love of reading with us all 🥰 especially reading in nature

[@trudymiller5544]

Hi Molly, I've ordered the book and can't wait for it to arrive. It will be going to the top of a TBR pile. And I also just wanted to say thank you for much for the type of content you produce. You have made me realise its okay for me to embrace my introvertism and live slowly. There is nothing I love better than a day of yoga, dog walking, gardening, cooking and reading. Take care, Trudy xx

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw I'm so glad you managed to get a copy! I hope you enjoy! And thank you for your kind words, I'm happy to enjoy my content :)

[@suzanneartist1026]

Love your tips for reading. So true, read what you love! I love children’s books. I am always always reading four or five very different books at a time so I can pick up what suits me day to day. I save lighter books that make me smile to set my mind properly for peaceful sleep.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Yes, I used to be a one book at a time person but now much prefer to have 3 or 4 on the go, depending on my mood! :)

[@1verysteveperry]

Oh, you've got a Puffin Croft candle. We visit the petting farm every year. We live not so far from John O Groats.

[@pandrew3146]

I also loved reading as a child, a habit which has continued into my adulthood. Bless you dear Molly.❤😊 Philippa New Zealand

[@al_humphreys]

Totally agree with this!

[@TJ-kz1ul]

I love reading too. It has been a very big part of my life ever since I was a young child. I agree that it's important to find books that you like, instead of pressuring yourself to read for status etc. I have 3 (ok actually 4 lol) books that I am reading right now, one of them is the Pages and Co middle-grade series. You may enjoy these books too, as they are so whimsical and cozy for book lovers, and the characters are really adorable.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for the recommendation! :)

[@lovingsunshine3515]

I think this was my problem. I was trying to read books that every adult should have read like the classics. But I couldn’t really understand the old English like Shakespeare’s books and I had a difficult time making sense what I was reading. So I never finished them.

[@bethmollet4956]

I too try to read and observe- it’s a genuine part of me, and I passed the love of reading to my now adult daughter- she escaped into reading stories as a child- our life back then was a bit tumultuous and it was indeed her needed escape from the everyday world - I love The Nature of Winter and a cuppa chamomile or chai tea🌿 All the best from the U.S.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Oh I love that book too! I'm currently reading The Nature of Summer by Jim Crumley and really enjoying it :)

[@eternallyelegantcrosses]

I’ve been watching your channel for a few months now. Just realized I hadn’t subscribed! I also grabbed a copy of the book! Thank you for your content!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw thank you for your support lovely! I hope you enjoy the book :)

[@55Emack]

Love your music and photography. Both have a very calming effect. I share your love of books xx

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you :)

[@Kelli.Hicks.5]

I was much the same way. I fell out of the habit of reading for fun while in college. I just didn't have the time or mind space to read anything else that wasn't required for classes. But, I've gladly and enthusiastically gotten back into the habit now that I'm done with school and have more free time.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

That's wonderful to hear!

[@cathylynnpietranton]

Molly I wasn't much of a reader when I was a kid but now I'm starting to get into reading. Thank you so much for the video.❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment :)

[@suzannerobertson416]

Reading to me is a human right not just a hobby

[@Lulybooksjourney]

Extremely thank you,your videos have become my daily addiction to see when i wake up and before going bed.Such relaxing,purposeful and investing moments when watching it,thank you again and i wish to see more.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you! :)

[@Stretch76]

Regeneration by Andrew Painting, one my very best reads.... Facinating and beautifully written!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

It really is wonderful :)

[@lizzieh5284]

Ive just found your channel. I love your outlook on life. I also love the countryside and slow living. I, too, love reading and couldnt live without my books. I look forward to watching more of your lovely, relaxing vids. 😊

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw welcome! I'm so happy to have you here :)

[@andrearogge7016]

Yesss, I do love to read more books because you suggested really good ones! I bought “Lagom” the Swedish book already. Thank you Molly! 🌷

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw that's wonderful to hear! :)

[@mareegeorge8777]

I also bought Lagom, on Kindle but it's a start (would like to find a paper copy)

[@cindyduncan5182]

Keep talking about books. I am a voracious reader of many genres and love to hear about books I haven’t read. I do keep books and have been told I have too many. I ignore them. They bring me joy.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your feedback lovely! :)

[@margaretJohnson-w3m]

Thank you for the link, just ordered mine.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Fantastic, I hope you enjoy!

[@rebeccagarner7665]

Hello! I have just discovered your channel and I am so happy I did! Someone I feel that I can really connect with! Great vlog and great tips for more reading!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw welcome lovely! So happy to have you here :)

[@gaily1980]

Thanks for this video, I am guilty of falling into the trap of the ‘perfect’ idea of what reading should look like, when in fact, I get a little anxious when I read.. perhaps that’s been the pressure I’ve put on my myself to read more, remember it all and to get through the book! I love the idea of swapping habits, recently I’ve swapped bedtime phone scrolling for reading but I’m going to try the other ones now, e.g. when the kettles boiling, having a book in the car… I enjoy habit stacking as it seems a more manageable way for me to make a consistent change. Great video Molly 😊

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing your experience! I've found little and often works best for me :)

[@davidthescottishvegan]

Another fantastic video Molly and i love having a good read of a book. It's good to have time away from screens & technology. Love 🥰 the video and love 💞 Molly.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you! :)

[@TheEmpressgoth]

Thanks for sharing your love Of reading 📚 ❤

[@melissamartin9132]

I have also loved reading all of my life. I'm a nature lover and wildlife activist as much as I can be in my situation. At one point I was trying to read and keep all the books everyone else loved. I'm starting to slowly try to keep what moves me in all genres and reread and cleanse. Now if I could just cleanse a lot of my possessions. I love my things so much but there's a bit much. I would love to see more of the books you're reading etc. Thank you for lovely subscription box info. I dropped all of mine but this company you shared at least shows books you can pick up if you want. And thank you for the video 😊💕🙏🏻

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment! I'm so glad you are starting to read what you enjoy :)

[@01happykat]

Your scenery is absolutely stunning! I've been to Scotland but never to the Highlands, but I've added it to my must-see list. As for reading, I learned to read at age 4 and have never stopped. I even studied literature in college and it still impacts my life. Many decades later, I still love the classics, but I've learned that if I don't enjoy the book, regardless of what it is, I set it aside and move on. There are too many books to waste time on ones you don't enjoy. Like you, I'm also an introvert and HSP. Aw, I LOVE Rory Gilmore too! She definitely appeals to a certain type. ;) P.S. Skye is just adorable!

[@mareegeorge8777]

I enjoy books too, I still have a book I bought for something to do when we had to wait for a replacement hire car on a visit to Aussie back in early 1990s I still have the book although minus front cover now: The Other Side of Paradise

[@nikkifangaiuiha6081]

I love to read 📚 an do it often when l can,love knowing what others read an recommend to read, thanks for this wonderful vlog Molly have a great week 😀 ❤😊

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you! :)

[@rosemarygilman8718]

I just ordered the book from Adventurous Ink and was lucky enough to be one of the first 50 to order so I got it free! Wow! I also signed up for their book club which I would not have known about if not for you. Thank you Molly! I've loved reading since I was a child too. I especially loved books about animals and dreamed of becoming a vet or working with animals in some other way. I've continued my love affair with reading for all of my 65 years. The habit I got into when I was a child and which I continue to this day is reading in bed just before I go to sleep.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw well done you! I really hope you enjoy the book and so happy you've found Adventurous Ink :)

[@adventurousink3774]

Thanks Rosemary, welcome to the club!

[@h-starlight]

Love your book based episodes and was really taken with the idea of Adventurous Ink and am looking forward to my free read! Thank you.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I really hope you enjoy!

[@jacquelinemcgowan8164]

i am reading finding Hildasay, and its something different for me and I love how I can pop it down anytime, and then pick it back up again, gotta feeling once it is finished I will be sad, I too am getting back into reading, I really missed it but I think picking a book back up takes some doing, but I want to turn off my laptop and move onto new things. Loce your content its so refreshing i look forward to my sunday evening with you, so thank you so much.

[@un_becoming]

Thank you Molly for the tips

[@hattyflame3889]

Thank you for your beautiful time and content 🌻💗☀️💛

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your comment :)

[@ABrigitteM]

Thank you 🙏

[@colorsofavon934]

I received my "A Slow Life" sweatshirt, all the way to Palm Springs, California. It's very soft. 🧡

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw amazing! Thank you so much for your support! :)

[@pippalloyd6103]

Reading the Railway Children atm and loving it, and learning such a lot from it! 🙂

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I've not read that but would love to as the movie was fantastic!

[@pinkypanchal3439]

I love this video . Thank you so much from India pls make more books video . Reading videos are so so good

[@judithrussell9162]

I would almost rather that people didn't recommend books as I often don't enjoy them and feel, weirdly, that I've let my friend down or failed a test. Demon Copperhead was one of these books which I stopped reading after about a hundred pages because it gave me such anxiety. It can be a fantastic book but not necessarily for you (me). So yes, you're right about reading what you enjoy Molly, which is why I read The Wind in the Willows every couple of years.

[@efortunywhitton]

I have that book in my Kindle Library! It's in my 'to-read' list! 😊❤

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw I hope you love it!

[@Purpleladybirdart]

I love books but I almost have to retrain my brain to sit down and read. ‘Little and often’ is good advice. My concentration span has been lowered, thanks to social media! 💜🙏

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Little and often is definitely a gamechanger :)

[@LunaciaBooks]

I can't remember a life without books either. I guess that's why I, after some detours, ended up getting a Bachelor in Library and Information Science, and become a librarian. (So, of course, I use the library A LOT).

[@hippyhighlandliving]

That sounds like a wonderful career path :)

[@LunaciaBooks]

@@hippyhighlandliving I'm very happy I made the decision to take another education!

[@tanyamcculloch7473]

I loved this video , please do more about books !

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for your feedback! :)

[@allyw6604]

Thanks Molly, I've definitely rediscovered reading for pleasure. Some good tips! Also, that's so strange as I just read an interview with Andrew Painting on Conservation careers (as I'm looking to change career to ecology) and only realised you wrote it when I got to the end of the article! Will definitely look out for the podcast 😊

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw yes I did write that! So glad you will be at the podcast :)

[@allyw6604]

It was a great article and I've added his book to my reading list 🙂

[@saral8128]

Hi Molly! I read Brightest Star in the Sky by Marian Keyes and am currently reading The Cartographers by Peng Shepherd, both of which you recommended and they are great! I enjoy your recommendations and appreciate them very much.

[@lindawhite8258]

Thanks for the lovely video, Molly. The Scottish Highlands are looking fab at the moment and I wish I was there! I have always been a reader, from very young, and as some others have mentioned, books were an escape from difficult circumstances as a child. Some of my favourites were by Enid Blyton - The Enchanted Wood, the Adventure series etc. but also the Chalet school books by Elinot Brent+Dyer. I very much wanted to go to school there! Have you come across any books by the Australian author Elyne Mitchell? She wrote children’s stories including a wonderful series about the wild brumbies of Australia which really captures the imagination!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you for sharing! No I haven't but her books sound wonderful! :)

[@BrittanyLucy]

Do you ever use an e-reader, and how do you feel about them ? I'm not crazy about mine, but for various reasons - living in France so libraries and second hand books in English aren't readily available ( I read in French too but less, and more slowly!), having moved to a smaller simpler house a few years ago with less space for bookshelves, wanting to keep down the stuff, having a very small handbag with only enough room for a Kindle - I don't always have the option of physical books. I do rather like the instant gratification of one click and the text is there, but real books are a treat, I must remember to make more time and space for them!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I have used a Kindle on the past, which was really handy, especially when I was moving around more. I've not replaced it since that one broke and have preferred physical books in recent years, but they are a great practical option! :)

[@stacesprinkle7822]

I loved the two books by Raynor Wynn. Adventurous 🙂

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I've read the first and the second is currently on my bookshelf! :)

[@minke08]

@@hippyhighlandliving You'll also enjoy the third. They start their walk in Cape Wrath.

[@aliciamarielavoie]

Reading is a huge part of my slow life and self-care. I always have a book in my bag or car. Right now, because I am having coaxial connection issues, I rarely watch TV; I save my hotspot use for needed projects. BTW ... have you ever read The Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd (a favorite about the Cairngorms), Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer, and If Women Rose Rooted by Sharon Blackie?

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I've read The Living Mountain and had Braiding Sweetgrass on my list for a while so I'll add your other recommendation as well thank you! :)

[@adventurousink3774]

We've featured both Braiding Sweetgrass and The Living Mountain in Adventurous Ink the past but not heard of If Women Rose Rooted, will take a look!

[@cafeaulivre]

Reading for pleasure is sadly a skill that we seem to have lost a bit...we learn to read to gain knowledge, to read only serious books, or classics, because they make you look distinguished, ... but in the end, why should you read as a hobby if you're not enjoying it? That's why I will never look down on what someone reads...although I'm a lover of classical literature myself. You like spicy romance novels? Good on you! You enjoy comic books? You do you! There should be no gatekeeping or judgement in reading, just pleasure!

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I so agree! Thank you for this thoughtful comment :)

[@bronwenwakefield9140]

Thank you for another lovely video. Please could you share where your outdoor blanket is from?

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Its from Ramble co Store and its their pacmat. I love it! :)

[@bronwenwakefield9140]

@@hippyhighlandliving Thank you!

[@Daytona2]

I love reading too! Andrew's book sounds good for a whole load of reasons, but I think we've broken Tim's website as it won't add to the cart 😁(permanent waiting circular graphic)

[@susiespider7]

I have the same problem

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Aw no sorry you've had issues! I've let Tim know and gone through myself now and seems to be working fine so finger's crossed you can get on! Thank you for your comment :)

[@adventurousink3774]

@@hippyhighlandliving thanks Molly!

[@jonihanna6449]

"Read little and often." Thank you for that! I wrote it down and will put it into practice!

[@ruebennomura9143]

You been reading a lot of book that good

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thank you!

[@scottishislandliving]

All I can say to this one is 'that's my girl". xxx

[@hippyhighlandliving]

Thanks mother xxx

[@bronwenwakefield9140]

I would love a copy of the bòok but unfortunately can't 'add to cart'. I wonder if all the copies have been accounted for? 😊

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I've not heard from Tim yet, so I'll ask. It might be worth checking again in case its a glitch with too much traffic! :)

[@pattyjacoby6749]

If I’m from the US can I still get a free book? Wasn’t sure how much the postage conversion was

[@bolonkinaanna]

❤

[@WhyNot-WhyNott]

❤❤❤❤

[@sarahtaylor66]

How do you feel about reading on kindle, I use the app on my phone.

[@hippyhighlandliving]

I used to have a Kindle, but find I do prefer physical books. But digital can certainly come in handy!

[@adventurousink3774]

Nothing beats a proper book, until you have to take a bundle on your travels!

[@coskuntazegul4926]

Will you marry me ❤

[@Sassygrannyvlogs]

💙