The Pollyanna Game

 

I love Facebook.

One of my favorite things about Facebook is the status lines of my friends.  Here is a status line I came across recently: “Pollyanna--the Glad Game--WORKS!”

I was intrigued, and so I asked my friend more about it.  She explained that she uses it on her kids when they’re complaining about something: “Find something to be glad about in this situation.  Like collecting smiles when you go for a walk!”

And I love that idea.

I looked up “Pollyanna” in one of my dictionaries, and the definition was not particularly flattering:  “a foolishly or blindly optimistic person.”  I, however, prefer Marianne Williamson’s take on Pollyanna.  She writes (I apologize that I can’t remember where I read it) that it takes strength and courage to be a Pollyanna.  And I agree.  Rather than thinking of Pollyanna as foolish or blindly optimistic, I prefer to think of her as a strong and courageous young woman.  It takes strength and courage to find the good in a “bad” situation.  It takes strength and courage to find beauty in something that may traditionally be considered ugly.  It takes strength and courage to recognize the perfection in something that may be considered imperfect.  It takes strength and courage to recognize the greatness in something that may be considered weak.  It takes strength, courage, and maybe a little bit of commitment and discipline, to consciously and intentionally shift our mindset from one of  focussing on what’s wrong in our life to focussing in what’s right in our life.

So last night, I had an opportunity to play the “Glad Game.”  

I had intended to go for a run, but my schedule got slightly screwed up, and so I was unable to go at the time I had planned on.  And instead of beating myself up for my imperfect timing, I decided to go for a walk.  I walked a few blocks down the road to a beautiful park that is filled with lush and abundant flowers.  The foliage is spectacular right now, and while I was there, out of nowhere, a man playing a banjo appeared, strolling through the gardens, strumming on his instrument.  I was enthralled.  I wanted to be his groupie.  Here was a reason to be glad!

Later, as I was walking through the gorgeous flora and fauna, I saw something that I’d never seen before: several hummingbird moths sipping nectar from various flowers with their long tongue.  I was mesmerized by the action of their wings, their tongue, and their intense focus on finding the perfect flower.  I probably could have stayed there for an hour, enchanted by their quiet buzzing and focussed attention.  The hummingbird moths made me happy.  It was another reason to be glad!

I prefer to think of Pollyanna, not as blindly or foolishly optimistic, but instead,  as a courageous and strong realist who can see the truth and goodness in any situation.  

And I can’t wait to see where the Glad Game takes me today!

Up Next:  Joy in Movement