2011 is almost over and I feel the need to write a little post on how what started as a reading challenge changed into something more.

I wasn’t in the best place last year when I decided to take on the 52 Book Challenge. I was looking for something I knew I could do and that I would be good at. I needed something to make me happy for a little while. Reading has always been that for me, so I took on the challenge.

A couple of weeks in, things started to change for me. My passion for reading was reignited and something in me started to come alive again. I was thinking about myself and what I wanted to do with my life. Because of this challenge, I finally know what I want to do with my life and it feels amazing. I’m feeling happier than I’ve been in a long time.

This simple reading challenge really changed me for the better. It not only rekindled my love of reading, but it brought a new clarity to my life that I had been trying to find for a long time. My real life may not always be the best place to be, but I know I can always find a great place to escape by picking up a book and diving in.

My new goal for 2012 is to read and review 100 books. It’s going to be a bit more of a challenge, since I’m also going to try my hand at writing one. But I’m looking forward to it and can’t wait to start.