"Hobbies make us who we are, and they play a vital role in our overall happiness," says renowned psychologist Martin Seligman. My personal hobby is reading, and it has been a constant companion since my childhood. "Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body," said Joseph Addison, and I couldn't agree more.
When I open a book, "I am not alone; I have a friend in each book," says famous author Haruki Murakami. It is a feeling that cannot be expressed in words, and it brings a sense of calmness to my otherwise chaotic life. "The reading of all good books is like conversation with the finest minds of past centuries," said Rene Descartes, and I feel the same way.
Apart from being an escape, reading has helped me improve my vocabulary and language skills. "The more that you read, the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go," said Dr. Seuss. Every book I read teaches me something new, and I love the feeling of discovering something new.
Reading is also a great way to learn new things. It has introduced me to different cultures, places, and ideas. "A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies... The man who never reads lives only one," said George R.R. Martin. It has broadened my perspective and helped me become more empathetic towards others.
Finally, reading is a hobby that is affordable and accessible. "Books are the quietest and most constant of friends; they are the most accessible and wisest of counselors, and the most patient of teachers," said Charles William Eliot. It is a hobby that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and backgrounds. In today's world, where we are constantly bombarded by technology, reading provides a sense of simplicity and calmness that is hard to find elsewhere.
In conclusion, as Stephen King famously said, "Books are a uniquely portable magic." Reading is more than just a hobby for me; it is a part of my identity. It has taught me valuable life lessons, introduced me to new ideas and cultures, and provided me with a sense of calmness that is hard to find elsewhere.