The habit of leader

A mother’s influence extends far beyond nurturing; it shapes values, builds character, and often plants seeds that grow into lifelong passions. One such seed planted in my heart was the love for reading, and it all began with observing the reading habit of my mother. Her dedication to books has not only shaped her worldview but has also profoundly influenced everyone around her.

Reading, for my mother, is not just a hobby; it's a way of life. I remember her sitting in the early morning light, holding a well-worn book in her hand, completely absorbed in its pages. She would often say that reading opens doors to thousands of lives you’ll never live but will always understand. Her commitment to reading was inspiring, and it became a central part of our household culture.

From romance to history, and from religion to biographies, her bookshelf was a colorful world of diverse genres. What fascinated me most was how she never limited herself to one type of book. She believed that every book has a lesson to teach and a story worth listening to. Whether she was laughing at a light-hearted novel or quietly contemplating a piece of historical literature, her emotional connection with the written word was evident.

The reading habit of my mother wasn't developed overnight. She often shared that her parents, too, were avid readers and that she was introduced to books at a very young age. However, it was in her teenage years when she truly fell in love with reading. Those were days when she would escape into books to find peace, motivation, and companionship. It was her quiet way of dealing with life’s challenges.

Even as the responsibilities of motherhood grew heavier, she never let her reading habit die. With three children, a job, and household duties, many would consider reading a luxury. But for her, it was a necessity. She would find time late at night or during afternoon tea breaks. Her ability to manage time and maintain her reading discipline was nothing short of admirable.

The impact of her reading habit wasn’t limited to just her personality. It reflected in the way she communicated, in her thoughts, and in her values. She always had a new quote to share, a fresh idea to discuss, or a story to relate. Her knowledge of history and current affairs made her a brilliant conversationalist. She could hold her own in any intellectual discussion, and people were often amazed by her insights.

My mother’s reading also played a significant role in how she raised us. Unlike most parents who’d hand over a phone or switch on the TV, she’d hand us a book. Birthdays came with not just toys but with storybooks. She encouraged us to read by making it a shared activity. We had bedtime stories, weekend book discussions, and visits to the library were our family’s favorite outing.

Another remarkable trait about my mother’s reading habit is how she journaled everything she read. She kept a notebook filled with thoughts, favorite quotes, and summaries of the books she completed. This habit not only helped her remember what she read but also deepened her understanding. It became a treasure trove of knowledge, something I now consider a family heirloom.

Technology never stood in the way of her reading habit. In fact, she embraced digital books with the same enthusiasm as physical ones. Kindle, book apps, and online libraries became her new tools. She would often say, “The format doesn’t matter; it’s the content that feeds your soul.” Her adaptability in the modern reading world was yet another lesson in evolving while holding onto core passions.

My mother's reading preferences evolved over time. In her youth, she was fond of fiction and poetry. Later, she gravitated towards non-fiction, especially self-help, biographies, and religious texts. This shift reflected the changing phases of her life. Her book choices mirrored her internal growth, and through them, she found guidance, strength, and sometimes, comfort in hard times.

Watching her grow as a reader had a lasting impact on me and my siblings. We developed a deep respect for literature, critical thinking, and informed conversations. Reading became a form of self-expression and self-discovery in our home. All because one woman believed in the transformative power of books.

Over the years, I’ve come to realize that reading shaped my mother’s identity. It made her confident, articulate, and emotionally intelligent. Her love for books made her empathetic to people’s stories and situations. She was never judgmental because her reading had taught her that life is complex and every person is fighting a battle we may never see.

Even now, in her later years, she continues to read with the same zeal. Her eyesight may have weakened, but her curiosity hasn’t. Audiobooks have become her new best friends. She listens to them while cooking or resting, and she still discusses plots and ideas with youthful excitement. Her mind remains sharp, inquisitive, and full of wonder—all thanks to a life lived in the companionship of books.

In a world where reading is often replaced by scrolling, my mother stands as a shining example of what it means to truly engage with literature. She taught us that reading isn’t just about finishing a book—it’s about growing with it. Her reading habit wasn’t merely personal; it became a tool of inspiration, culture, and education within our family and social circle.

My mother’s story proves that reading is not a dying art. Instead, it’s a powerful habit that can be sustained with passion and discipline. In her case, reading was not just an activity; it was a philosophy. Her journey with books has left a legacy that we, her children, will continue to carry forward with pride and gratitude.

Through her example, we learned that knowledge is not something to be hoarded but shared. That growth comes from exposure to ideas different from our own. And that literature is the most beautiful medium to connect humanity, beyond borders and generations.

In the fast-paced digital era, cultivating a reading habit seems like an uphill battle. But if there’s one thing my mother’s life proves, it’s that the joy and wisdom found in books are worth every second invested. Her reading habit was not only her own personal enrichment—it became the education of her family and a light in the lives of those who knew her.

Reading builds patience, empathy, and intelligence. It opens up imagination and strengthens memory. These aren’t just abstract benefits; they’re traits that shaped my mother into the incredible woman she is today. She didn’t just live her life; she read through it, with courage, passion, and endless curiosity.

Her example compels me to pick up a book whenever life gets overwhelming. It reminds me that wisdom often lies between the pages of a novel, a poem, or a memoir. That’s the magic I saw in her—and that’s the magic I now seek for myself.

So next time you think of what gift to give a child, a friend, or even yourself—consider a book. Because in that single object, there lies the potential to shape a life, just like my mother’s reading habit shaped mine.