Reading daily can enrich our lives

  • Published
  • By By Col. John Payne
  • 615th Contingency Response Wing vice commander
TRAVIS AIR FORCE BASE,Calif. --  How busy are you? If you are like the majority of Airmen and families, the answer is very busy. You are busy with work, fitness, taking care of your family and trying to find time to take care of yourself. Our Airmen all do a tremendous amount everyday and I continue to be inspired by how they find ways to keep balance in their lives.

On my last assignment, I had the unique ability to see the travel itineraries for most of our senior leadership to include Gen. David Petraeus, previous U.S. Central Command Commander. I think we would all agree that the combatant commander, with responsibility for two wars in a challenging region, had a lot on his plate.

What I found noteworthy on his extensive travels, he started everyday with time set aside to read a book. It's seen on his schedule that way - read a book. The amount of time varied, but I assure you he did it for two reasons: first to show his staff the value he placed on reading and second to actually read.

During our youth, we were encouraged to read and the benefits were stressed over and over. As adults, we're free to choose how to divide our time. It's important to take time to read. It benefits us and sets a good example for others, whether it's our subordinates or our children.

Reading, just like fitness, writing or even conversation, improves the mind and exposes us to new ideas and prospective. It is a skill that decays if unused. When used, it stimulates the mind, the imagination and encourages critical thought. Again, I understand the pressures and continued demands on our Airmen's time. I have a four-year-old son and a 19-month-old daughter myself. Sleeping more than two hours at a time remains a dream for my wife and I.

You don't have to set deadlines and you don't have to read "War and Peace." You don't even have to pick books from the chief of staff's reading list. Just set aside a few minutes at the beginning or end of each day. Pick topics or books you enjoy at the base and community libraries, which offer a great alternative to the big name bookstores. Both libraries and bookstores offer programs for the kids to help you carve out a few minutes for yourself.

The benefits of reading can't be understated, but as I mentioned above, there was a second reason I think General Petraeus set aside the time the way he did - to lead by example. It's an important example for your Airmen, but it is equally important to set the example for your children. Children are great imitators and if they see you making it priority, chances are they will follow suit at some point in their lives.

Finally, the next time you return from a deployment or temporary duty station and are looking for something to bring back, maybe a book about the local area or something they are interested in might just be the spark. I know you are busy and thank you for all you do. Maybe you can find a few minutes along the way to do something just for yourself and set a good example for others.