Reading didn’t start as a lifestyle choice for me. It started as something I leaned on. Something familiar that made everything else feel quieter.
Over time, it stopped being something I picked up occasionally and became something I made an every day thing. My routines, my space, and even my content started to reflect it. Reading wasn’t just something I enjoyed anymore, it became part of how I live.
That shift is the reason this blog exists.
Reading as Part of My Daily Life
I don’t approach reading like a checklist. I don’t track pages, race through books, or force myself to finish something that isn’t connecting. I read when it fits, and I stop when it doesn’t.
Reading fits into my life the same way any grounding habit does. It’s part of my mornings, my nights, my downtime, and my decompression. It’s not scheduled in a rigid way, but it’s always there.
That’s what made it stick.
The Space I Read In
Where I read matters just as much as what I read.
I keep my space calm and simple. Soft lighting. Comfortable seating. Books nearby. No clutter. No noise. Nothing pulling my attention in too many directions.
It’s not about aesthetics for photos. It’s about creating an environment where my brain can slow down and stay focused. A place that feels quiet without feeling empty.
How I Choose Books
I don’t follow reading schedules or trend lists. I choose books based on how I feel.
Sometimes that looks like dark romance.
Sometimes dark fantasy.
Sometimes indie authors.
Sometimes something emotional and heavy.
Sometimes something chaotic and intense.
I don’t force myself through books that don’t connect. I don’t read for appearances. I read for experience. BELIEVE ME I will DNF if it’s not my vibe.
When Reading Became Identity
At some point, reading stopped being just entertainment and started shaping everything else I do.
It influences the content I create, the platforms I build, the conversations I have, and the community I want to grow. It’s the reason I didn’t want a simple book blog. It’s the reason I focus on indie authors and the reason I talk about reading as lifestyle instead of just reading as hobby.
Books aren’t something I step into to escape life. They’re part of the life I’m building.
Why RaeReadsXo Exists
This blog isn’t here just to review books.
It’s here to create a space for people who build their lives around reading. People who structure their days with books in mind. Those who feel grounded by stories and those who connect through characters, authors, and shared reading experiences.
It’s not about trends, algorithms or performance.
It’s about connection, routine, and community.
The Beginning of Something Bigger
This is my first post, but it’s not a one-off.
Rae Reads XO is growing into a space for:
- Book reviews
- Indie author features
- Reading routines
- Bookish lifestyle content
- Reader culture
- Community storytelling
- Long-form conversations
- Creative projects
This isn’t a short-term project for me. It’s something I’m building intentionally and long-term.
If you’re here, you’re part of that from the beginning.
Welcome to Rae Reads XO. 🖤📚