As you would imagine, my opinions are formed by the things I read and watch, and by the people I am around. Not just in person, in my life, but online, the people I follow.
Out of everything I consume, reading has the most important place in my life. I’ve been an avid reader since childhood and the touch and smell of a book is still one of my favourite things. Let alone reading in silence with nothing else to do! A rare occurence… My reading time decreased since I started working in my current job, where I spend most of my workdays reading, so by the time I get home, my brain (and my eyes) is so full of it, I can hardly read another word. Yet, reading is so important for me, that I try to incorporate it into my everydays anyway. Last year I managed to finish 30 books by the end of the year, and I hope to keep up at least with that number this year.
Besides reading books (fiction and non-fiction alike), I have a meticulous news reading habit. I get two newsletters that I read every day, and a bunch of sources I follow in an RRS reader. I like to stay up to date on the topics I care about. Most of the time I read this stuff while commuting to and from work, but I like to spend at least half an hour a day catching up with the news whether I am leaving the house or not.
Another source of following the news is podcasts. I have lots of favourite podcasts! I follow some on current affairs, I have my French podcasts to practice the language, and some related to my hobbies. While getting ready in the morning I usually put on some of my favourite shows and the morning starts either with learning something or getting entertained. It’s a good way to start the day either way!
In the past years I’ve watched more TV shows than movies, because it’s easier for me to find the time for a forty-minute episode than a whole two (or more) hours movie. This is a shame, and I try to work on that, because I know there are lots of great movies out there worth checking out, it’s just hard to find the time. My favourite TV shows are mostly political and/or legal themed, but occasionally I also love the lighter stuff.
Music has an important role in my life, as well. If you follow me long enough, you know that I am a long time Mariah Carey fan (all the time, not just at Christmas), but I also love many other genres. From rock to hip-hop to alternative, I listen to everything. Really, everything. While working I love to listen to baroque symphonies (good for the brain!) so much so, that Spotify seems to think Bach is my favourite artist and I am expecting new music from him.
Besides reading books, listening to podcasts, watching tv (streaming services, mostly) and movies and listening to music, I also consume online content, as everybody these days. I have my favourite blogs and some people on social media platforms that I follow. Besides being interested in what they have to say, I love to learn from other content creators.
So, I guess I have a lot of sources I can share with you. Expect recommendations from each of the above when I really like something, or just reports of what I enjoy reading, watching, listening to or doing at the time.