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SOLERA DIAMOND VALLEY | JANUARY 2024 15 By Clare Mendez, Resident Up until the last 30 years or so, reading was the most common form of entertainment. Dads would sit and read the newspaper, Mom had her Harlequin Romance books, and the kids read mystery series and even joke books. These days, technology has been steadily replacing the entertainment of reading a good book. Reading on a regular basis provides amazing benefits to the health of our brain and our mental well-being. From a social standpoint, reading current events makes you a more informed and engaging person. No matter what the genre you enjoy – novels, biographies, self-help, or any other- you always gain new knowledge and something new to talk about with others. Reading can be enjoyed at almost any time. Designate a block of at least 20 minutes during the day when you think you will have time to read. I love reading magazine articles and blogs, but they won't give me (or you) the benefits of increased focus and concentration, relaxation and stress reduction. Instead, opt to read books and articles of decent length. Choose books and articles you want to read. Reading books or literature because you think you should will not be pleasurable. If you start to read a book and find your mind wandering or your interest lacking, consider abandoning it for something you'll enjoy more. Although you may be tempted to read novel after novel, you can explore new horizons by choosing a new genre. Not only will you learn more through exposure to new concepts, information, and vocabulary, but it may even help you develop new interests. With the influx of devices such as tablets, reading on the go or in bed has become easier than ever. You can instantly download a book any time you want without waiting for a day trip to the library. And if you're like me and read a few books at a time, you can bring your whole library with you. Reading out loud to another person provides an opportunity to spend focused quality time with the child or adult. Children will benefit from increased vocabulary, language, and speech development. Would you do the same as the main characters or would you have chosen a different path with perhaps a different outcome? Are any of your life experiences similar? Discussing books you are reading forms a mutual bond with the reader and listener. Hey, here's a good idea! Come to the Solera book group the second Wednesday of each month at 1:30 pm. We've shared some very interesting opinions, and insight, and sometimes personal stories which builds friendships. To see what's on the schedule each month look on the bulletin board across from the elevator. Once you've read the book of the month, prepare to discuss it with the other group members at the next month's meeting. If by chance you didn't finish reading the it, you can still listen in and share what you know or how you feel about the book. We're always looking for good suggestions from other readers too. Submitted by Linda Weiss, Resident I saw this note in the newspaper one morning. It didn't say who wrote it but it helped me through the day. I hope it helps someone else. When I am gone, release me, let me go, I have so many things to see and do. You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears, Be happy that we had so many years. I gave you my love, you can only guess, How much you gave me in happiness. I thank you for the love each have shown, But now it is time I traveled alone. So grieve awhile for me if grieve you must, en let your grief be comforted by trust, It's only for awhile that we must part, So bless those memories within your heart. I won't be far away, for life goes on. So if you need me, call and I will come. ough you cannot see or touch me, I'll be near. And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear, All of my love around you, so and clear. I'll greet you with a smile and say … "Welcome Home" Reading for Pleasure Welcome Home