As for reading, my philosophy is simple (but it has taken me awhile to put it into words):
I strive to read deliberately, carefully and with passion. I believe it’s important to pick and choose what you read—consult your mind, heart and gut—since we only have so much time in this life to consume literature. It’s also crucial to take something away from every book, whether that be morals, inspiration, or instruction. You should walk away from every reading experience an altered, better human. And finally, read with passion. Stories are the lifeblood our species, and every one should be passionately embraced.