How Reading a Different Genre can Surprise you?

Get Radical : Radical Reading

coming of age, supportive mothering, relating to your children, adolescence

Morning family,

The experiences of our youth shape our lives. Of course we have the power to change that course. That doesn't necessarily clear our minds to our present state. One of the reason I began writing was to begin to release emotions instead of letting them linger in my body to harbor resentment. I have never related to a book as much as "The Poet X" by Elizabeth Acevedo.

https://www.amazon.com/Poet-X-Elizabeth-Acevedo/dp/0062662805

I was originally attracted to the book because I am a poet and my first name starts with an "X." The first time I checked it out for the library (Yes, I use the public library; you should too ;) I didn't get a chance to read it. I was in the middle of a project with a deadline. This second time, I also didn't have much time but, I was so determined I found a read with me video for my background noise and began. It had an hour and a half timer. I made it a 3rd of the way through the book in that sitting.

I had paused multiple times to digest, reread, and be grateful I no longer felt like an alien on this planet about having an aversion to certain men. It was something myself, my mother, and many therapists couldn't figure out the trigger for. In giving up the fake façade that I no longer loved young adult books, I discovered my reignited love for reading. Resurfaced were my feelings of being the oddball out and knowing many people feel this way not just me.

Sometimes we must look in unexpected places to find our healing. Also being true to who we are is a key that unlocks unchartered territory. In order to be true to who we are we first have to feel the freedom to ask God to show you the things that truly make your heart happy. Not just routine things you have been doing for years. The result of releasing the routine is freedom from the things that drain your energy. This allows you to be open for the things that allow you to feel excited about life again.

My favorite result from this self exploration is being a full blown kid with my daughter. She is nine years old. As she browses the shelves for books, I look with her. I notice what she is interested in and become informed on what is available to her. There are times that even the juvenile books peak my interest and warrant a read. The library became one of our happy places where we could share connection and conversation together. Also, giving us a connection to our local community and forge those new relationships to see the needs around us.

I thought I loved books because I love to write. I found out it was actually because I loved the relatability of the stories and how it allowed me to travel into a different world from my own. Growing up in rural Alabama a girl needs to dream a little outside of red dirt roads, marriage, and hospitality. Get out there and explore new things! Include your children or your spouse and find some new joy. <3

Love you,

XBAlloway

 Xavia Bree Alloway, founder of AJD Communications holds a masters degree in Strategic Communications: social media management, crisis communications, and blog management. Also, a bachelors is in International political science with a concentration in philosophy. The author of the poetry series "Completing Me" and ministry books "Struggle Ministries: Turning Life Struggles into a Ministry for God" & "I Thought it was CUTE!"