I had a very intense and traditional Christian education as a child, and spent a lot of time reading the Bible (my party trick is reciting the books of the Bible in less than 30 seconds!). When I left Christianity behind, the Bible happily went with it, though that knowledge came in mighty handy in university english literature classes and trivia quizes.

I never got much lasting inspiration from the Bible, finding the formal language of the King James Version I was raised with impenetrable, only reinforcing the stark realization that finding a personal relationship with the Creator wasn’t possible for me through Christianity.

I did always slightly envy those who found great comfort and strength from the Bible, not least my mother, who hosted a weekly study group in our house many years and has recently been watching online Bible studies on YouTube. It seemed a handy source for instant comfort and help, Bible verses at the ready for all situations and challenges.

A few years ago I gathered the scraps of quotes, poems and inspirational bits and bobs I had floating about in various notebooks and cubby holes and decided to plonk them all in one place for easy reference, create my own Bible, something I could go to for inspiration and guidance and succour. There are poems, quotes from spiritual leaders like Thich Nhat Hann, things I heard on podcasts or movies, excerpts from novels, and even a few Tweets.

Whenever I read or hear something that makes me sit up, open my eyes a little wider, slow down and think, “this is important, I need to remember this”, I pop it in my green-covered notebook, knowing future me would want to feel that same tingle and joy again and again.

I try to pick up my little book every morning and read whatever comes next, my own form of non-secular Bible study. Today was a poem from Nobel laureate Czeslaw Milosz.

I remember first reading this poem and sinking into the simple peace and harmony he so beautifully described. Milosz reminds me of why I love to garden, getting lost in the moment of standing in the solid, red dirt under the limitless sky next to a river, everything in its place, thinking of nothing but the life all around me. Perfect happiness.

Consider writing your own holy book, or unholy book, your choice. For as it says in the book of Thelma, Chapter 3, Verses 7-9:

Do it, all ye who have strayed from the narrow path to stumble about in the wide world. Write the Book thou wouldst wished to have been given when first ye asked the good questions and received only poor answers. Making thine way in the world today takes everything thou’s got, taking a break from all thine worries sure would help a lot. Cheers/Amen.