In Cecelia Ahern's book, "The Marble Collector," the narrator expresses a profound struggle with anxiety, highlighting a common yet often overlooked aspect of human experience: the need to consciously breathe. She reveals that breathing, typically an automatic process, becomes a challenge when stress takes hold. This tension manifests physically, causing her body to feel rigid and her heart to race as she grapples with an overwhelming sense of unease.

The quote illustrates the disconnect between mind and body during anxious moments, emphasizing how mental strain can lead to forgotten basic functions like exhaling. The relentless thoughts and physical symptoms create a cycle of anxiety that complicates even the simplest acts of self-care. Ahern's exploration of these feelings strikes a chord with readers who understand the importance of mindfulness and the necessity of pausing to take a breath amid chaos.