Inquisitive.me

For most people, it’s a no-brainer. For me? Not so much.

I’ve always loved reading—it’s been part of my life for as long as I can remember. I was basically Rory Gilmore, never leaving the house without a book. Back then, that was a real commitment—no Kindle app yet, no entire library in my pocket. Shoutout to that now, my ride-or-die.

I even read during class. Yeah, I probably should’ve paid more attention to history or economics, but those subjects just weren’t my thing. I’m still not crazy about them, but at least now I make an effort to engage a bit more.

As a kid, fantasy was my go-to. Reading wasn’t just enjoyment—it was pure relaxation, a way to escape into worlds beyond imagination. I loved diving into new adventures, battling villains, and feeling every high and low alongside my favorite characters.

But there was more to it. I was trying to escape reality. Growing up is messy, chaotic, and confusing. You don’t know where you belong or what your story will be. Having a story to hold onto helped me navigate all that uncertainty.

I remember sitting on the bus to school, lost in daydreams, building my own worlds, imagining the life I actually wanted. No boundaries, no “you can’t do this”. In those worlds, I felt free and unstoppable. In real life? Not so much. I often felt trapped, insecure, like I could never fully be myself.

I had friends—I’ve always been picky about who I let in (if you’re in, you’ve earned it). They didn’t laugh at me—they were supportive and genuinely cared. Still, I felt the need to hide parts of myself.

Even now, that feeling creeps in sometimes. And honestly, I don’t know why. I’m surrounded by people who truly know me—flaws, nerdiness, all—and they love me anyway.

I think we all have pieces of ourselves we keep hidden. I once read we actually show different personalities depending on who we’re with: a work version, a home version, even a version only for ourselves. So maybe it’s okay to have parts just for us.

Maybe that’s why fantasy draws me in—it’s a space where anything is possible, where you can exist without limits. Maybe it’s not just about escaping reality, but discovering versions of yourself that feel freer, bolder, more powerful. In those stories, you can step into a world without constraints or expectations—just you, unfiltered and limitless.

Don’t worry, I’m getting there. I’m just building up to it.

A few years ago, after finishing a massive fantasy series with a close friend, I felt completely lost. We didn’t just read it—we lived it. We celebrated every twist and turn. It wasn’t just a story; it was an experience we shared, and that made it so special.

After that, I started browsing YouTube book channels for my next fantasy fix. Somehow, I stumbled upon productivity guru Ali Abdaal’s channel. That’s when I picked up my first self-help book: Atomic Habits by James Clear. I’d never really read anything outside fantasy, but I was ready for something new—and it completely shifted my perspective.

Before that, I thought there were only two reasons to read: enjoyment or pure learning, like textbooks for uni. My mind was blown. For 30 years, I thought I had to figure everything out alone. Reading self-help opened a new world. Suddenly, I wasn’t just learning from people around me—I was learning from people I’d never met. My Circle of Five expanded and keeps evolving.

I could tap into authors’ experiences and insights. They did the research, filtered the information, and gave me concepts I could actually apply. I didn’t have to figure it all out myself anymore.

Vinh Giang summed it up perfectly:

You don’t have to learn everything on your own. You can learn from others.

A whole new world opened up. And it’s not just personal—I apply so much of this knowledge to my work as a physiotherapist. I’d recommend it to anyone working with people. You gain insights, conversation starters, and tools to truly make a difference. I just wish I’d known this before I turned 30.

And that’s the thing—reading these books didn’t just change my perspective; it gave me tools I could actually use in my work and daily life. So, if you’re curious about seeing how these ideas can make a real difference, let’s experiment.

🧪 Let’s Experiment

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If you work with people—or plan to—self-help and personal development books aren’t just for you; they’re tools for helping others too.

These books are full of insights, experiences, and frameworks you can actually apply—not just in your own life, but in the way you connect with and guide others.

🎯 Try This:

Pick one book that sparks your curiosity. Don’t overthink it—just read, reflect, and notice what resonates. Then, try applying one small idea with someone you work with or care about. See what shifts, and build from there.

🧠 Final Thought:

It’s like unlocking a hidden library of wisdom. You might only discover one or two gems at first, but even those can change the way you relate to others—and yourself. I only wish I had started sooner.

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Keep it simple, stay curious, and keep learning—you’ve got this.

Take care,

Carina 🦊