We're all readers here. We've all had that moment of holding a book in our hands, staring off into space, digesting what we just read. It's pivotal moment in life, the first time you have to stop and think.
As I've looked back on my reading life, there are a few things that stand out to me.

1. Changed How I See the World

I grew up in a conservative house and religion. Things like magic were not only frowned on, but forbidden. Adults thought that reading about magic would pull towards devil worship or some BS like that.
Instead, it began revealing things like racism, sexism, and misogyny. I realized that I hated it when the elders in my church would take a 'do as I say, not as I do' stance. (Thank RA Salvatore for that one.)

2. Books Affected My Personality

This one is largely due to Diana Gabaldon and her Outlander series. I'd first read Outlander at the tender age of 13 - probably too young, I'll admit.
Years later, when the tv show first came out, one of my cousins FINALLY got into the story. The next time I saw her, she watched me intently. Then, she asked when I'd first read Outlander.
I told her, and she nodded. "Yeah, I can see that."
Apparently, I had more of Claire's personality than I'd thought.

3. There is Truth in Fantasy

I rarely read non-fiction, which surprises people. I also frequently run across people who think that if you want to learn about people, personal development, etc, you need to read non-fiction books.
I don't know about you, but I learned WAY more about all of that through fiction. While the situations and scenarios may be fantastical, the way people react, their emotions in the moment, all of that, helped me learn how to see things from another perspective.
They also taught me more about the person I want to be, and the hills that I would die on, especially those going against the opinions of those around me.

How has reading changed your life?