{ Dame Agatha Christie and her books: image }
Whenever I feel overwhelmed—and I don’t mean in a sort of casual I have to be in four places at once, what’s for dinner, where the heck are my car keys? way but in more of a I can’t handle this get me out of here sense, I take a deep breath and go Back to Basics.
I started using the phrase Back to Basics after I bought this CD a million years ago:
Olivia! When we were little, my friends and I acted out Grease nonstop in my backyard and my BFF Patti even dressed up as Bad Sandy for Halloween. When we grew up, Patti and I saw Olivia in concert—I think I was pregnant with Lexie at the time—and she was as awesome as we’d always imagined she’d be.
So. I’m not sure what Olivia’s philosophy was for her album, but for me Back to Basics means calming down, stripping away as much of what’s unnecessary as possible, and focusing on the small steps that will get me back on track and where I need to go.
Really, I should start with Back to Basics: Fitness, but who am I kidding? For me, it all begins and ends with books. And more specifically, mysteries. When life is crazy and chaotic, I crave mysteries like a Kardashian craves the limelight. I grab a battered Agatha Christie mystery off the bookshelf and let the familiar characters, structure, and wonderful solvability of the story calm my frenzied mind. And once I’ve calmed down, I can start thinking about the next step on the path toward a Sane and Meaningful Life.
How about you? Is there a book that helps you get centered, whether it’s a self-help book or a novel or even a book from your childhood?
Well, the way that you framed the question, “is there a book that keeps you centered”? I would have to say that is the Bible. The best way for me to start my day, is to sit down and read some Old Testament, Psalm or Proverbs and New Testament chapters. This has changed my life.
I think that would be a very calm and lovely way to start the day, Mary Jo.
Have you read Christie’s autobiography? I’m slowly wandering through it. I often go back to my favorites: the Anne of Green Gables series, Jane Eyre and Pride and Prejudice. Though, I’m finding that rereading a book I enjoyed (even if it isn’t a long-time favorite) will usually do the trick. I think of this rereading as comfort, but perhaps the comfort is centering as well.
Marilyn, you and I are readers-separated-by-birth! I actually listed ALL three of the books you mentioned, but then took them off because mysteries are what I go to when my mind is Seriously Muddled. Jane Eyre’s always been my “rainy day” book. I curl up with a mug of tea or coffee and a blanket and read my favorite parts.
I haven’t read Christie’s autobiography, but I’m adding it to my reading list. Thanks for the heads-up!