In order to create some sort of routine during quarantine, I decided to read a devotional every morning right when I wake up. For the past few weeks, reading a page from Jesus Calling by Sarah Young and Live in Grace, Walk in Love by Bob Goff has set a positive tone for my day. I love sitting in my comfy chair in my living room with a cup of coffee and reading my books. My morning ritual gives me something to look forward to every night before I go to bed. I found that I was craving that feeling of contentment in the evenings. I decided to start reading 100 Days to Brave by Annie Downs after dinner when I drink my nightly tea (I really like beverages!)
A quote from Annie’s book really resonated me. In an entry entitled, Your Mind, she writes:
Your mind is a container, but it’s a fragile container. So being brave means taking measures to protect it. Things are going to fill it- that’s just the nature of your mind. It’s up to you to decide what gets to fill the container. (Downs 25)
During the past few weeks, I have seen the same two books repeatedly recommended on people’s reading lists on blogs and Instagram. I requested said books from the library and anticipated their availability. When it was my turn to borrow the ebooks, instead of excitement, I experienced hesitation. The two books center around death, divorce, and heartbreak. Initially, I thought, “These books are highly recommended by so many people! They must be good!” This is when I remembered the Annie Downs quote. Just because the books are good for other people does not mean they are good for me.
During our in class blog workshop, I was asked my opinion on when to stop reading a book and when to persist if the reader is not liking the story. I was also asked if I would consider sharing books I have not enjoyed to contrast the list of book I have loved. To be honest- I never read books I do not like, unless it is required for school. This is because I do not like “filling my container” with narratives that make me feel fearful, sad, and defeated. This is not to say that I need life to be sunshine and rainbows all of the time, BUT, I live with a chronic health issue and the world and the news can be heavy enough without me adding to it with sorrowful, elective reading.
This goes for more than just reading. I try to only follow accounts on social media that inspire me and bring me joy. I do not watch many twisted television shows or movies because they just do not make me feel good. I did not name the titles of the books I got from the library because I am sure they are great reads and they are praised by many other readers. This post is not about the books, but rather about me and how I choose to fill my brain.
Even if a book, movie, product, recipe etc. is highly praised or recommended, does not mean you have to like it. It does not mean that there is something wrong with you, or that you are weird, or that you need to change. It’s simply not for you. Fill your container with what works and feels right to you.
Happy reading!
Downs, Annie F. 100 Days to Brave: Devotions for Unlocking Your Most Courageous Self. Zondervan on Brilliance Audio, 2017.
Emily's Bookshelf 