The school year is quickly descending upon us, and I can feel the stress growing with the dates on the calendar.

I’m beginning to think about all the tests, the papers, the books, the assignments, and the rigor that I am about to endure. It’s not going to be easy. It never is.

But through it all, I make one thing a priority: every morning, I wake up a little earlier than I need to, make myself a cup of coffee, and read. Not a textbook or required reading--a book of my choosing that is solely for my personal benefit. It’s become a sacred part of my daily routine.

There are many reasons that I willingly pull myself out of the warm, comforting jowls of slumber--not the least of which being that cup of coffee--but the main reason this tradition has continued is the reminder that reading can be fun.

Whether you’re still in school or not, it’s really easy to be swept up in the business of it all. There is not one person alive who thinks that they are not busy. Everyone is scurrying around to make dates and attend meetings, but not everyone takes the time to take a breath. To remember the things that once brought them great joy.

For a short while, I felt that way about reading. I was so busy trying to cram the many books that I was required to read into my noggin that I forgot to enjoy it. I won’t lie; it was one of the unhappiest times of my life.

I know a great number of people who feel the same way that I felt: reading is work. It’s not leisurely. Some even say that it’s unpleasant.

I think that those people just aren’t reading the right books for the right reasons.

By taking a bit of time every morning to read books that I wanted to read, I had the pleasure of falling back in love with reading. During those morning sessions, it doesn’t matter if my book is Shakespeare or Twilight; it only matters that I’m enjoying myself. No one else knows what I’m reading. No one else needs to know.

But when you spend a little bit of time like this, you’re more inclined to enjoy reading everything just a little bit more. Reading articles at work? Sure! Reading newspapers to keep up with the times? You bet! That required reading that you’ve been putting off? Suddenly, it’s a breeze.

The bottom line is that reading is not an optional activity. In our highly educated society, it’s a staple. So why not enjoy it?