Is it just me, or is finding a new hobby an intensely anxiety inducing task? I always want something new to try but if I am honest, I think I mostly just like the idea that I want to try new things.

The actual doing of it is terrifying, and something I often put off.

So, finding myself joining a book club with a group of ladies I had never met was somewhat out of character for me. I am so glad I did though! It honestly turned out to be one of the most empowering experiences and groups that I have ever been involved with.

So much so that I re-joined another one a few months later.

I did not have many expectations about the first book club, it was a new experience after all.
I guess I assumed we would discuss the book we were reading and share our interpretations of certain sections. It didn’t turn out to be quite as predictable as that. Sure, we had a book that we all read outside of the session and sure it was discussed in session.

But there was so much more.

In the sessions, we were given the space to share stories, share how we connected with ideas and let others in on experiences that we were currently going through. In doing that group members could provide support to one another and share similar experiences to help each of us feel less alone.

At times the circle was full of laughter at other times we consoled each other.
It was an incredible place to be.

At the first meeting of my new book club recently, we were all asked what we hoped to get out of our weekly sessions. There were two themes that shone through those of us who were there – connection and curiosity. Our group, much like the first group, is made up of very diverse women from varied age groups, backgrounds, and professions and yet we all had a seemingly common goal.

To me, that is the power of a book club, it can provide a unique space for diversity and inclusion. It gives us the opportunity to be exposed to new ideas and concepts. It allows us to share our experiences that sometimes make us feel so alone and have these validated by our peers.

It allows us to show and share our creativity with one another.

It gave us a space to be vulnerable, share opinions and express feelings.

Author:
Steph Stokes,
Psychologist at Evolve Wellbeing

My Book Club Experience....