One of the things that work for me in helping to create balance is reading.   Although a voracious reader since childhood, in 2011, I did not read even one book — print or digital.  I’m not even going to try to dissect why — I just know that in 2012, that’s not going to happen.

I signed up for Goodreads. com 2012 reading challenge and my first book is Shel Silverstein’s “The Giving Tree”.

Greed, selfishness, extreme self-sacrifice, loss and quiet acceptance are but a few of the characteristics highlighted in this seemingly child-like story of parables.  Elementary illustrations drive home the poignant life lessons like a sledge-hammer.   When do we think of self?  When do we think of others?  Is self-sacrifice more important than self-preservation? When is enough, enough?  At what point do we accept what is?

The book was a recommendation from a friend last year but little did I know how much this book would cause me to think so deeply, so early in the new year.

Rating: 5 stars