Lately I have been called Pollyanna* by The Mom, Annie, The Husband, others persons who shall remain nameless …as in overly, naively, annoyingly optimistic.
And I take this has a huge insult.Am I positive? Do I look on the bright side? Do I look-and find-a silver lining? Do I believe people are basically good and the living life is a worthwhile adventure? Do I like to make something good out of nothing great? Do I think you have to bend and not break? Do I believe you should bloom where you are planted? Do I think God helps those who help themselves? Do I think God doesn’t give us anything we can’t handle? Do I think life is full of boundless possibilities? Do I believe in fate and serendipitous moments? Do I choose to focus on what I have and not what I still want?
YES.
And the single biggest ruler of my personality?
I think happiness is a choice.
And I choose it every day. Oh I get down, get bummed and get in a ‘funk’ all the time. But I choose not to stay there. I help myself and take action to pull myself out of it. I never, ever wait for someone else to cheer me up.(If I did I would be waiting a long long time). I have one life. This is no dress rehearsal. So I have to make this count. After all…I’d hate to be ‘straight to video’.Does this make me a Pollyanna’?I guess so. But I am also as realistic, logical and analytical as the next gal. I have been called cynical, negative and suspicious as well you know.I just choose not to let those views on life drag me down.
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*Pollyanna is a best-selling 1913 novel by Eleanor H. Porter that is now considered a classic of children’s literature. Pollyanna’s philosophy of life centers on what she calls “The Glad Game”, and an optimistic attitude. * *
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I really liked your comment on THAT family’s blog, and I agree about happiness being a choice. Of course, there are times when I conveniently forget that – but I think we’d all be happier if we had more Pollyanna in us. :) Have a great day!
I also believe happiness is a choice. I also believe that ACTION is the best way to make yourself feel better when things are getting you down. I do not like to be around negative people and will do my best to get away from it!
I don’t think you’re naive (pollyannaish) at all. You’re balanced. You see the whole picture.
You know you should NEVER listen to your mom or your husband, right? Oh, wait, is it you should ALWAYS listen to your mom or husband. I get those mixed up sometimes
:)
Suz
No one who was photographed with a gun could ever be considered a Pollyanna. You tell them that, you fierce girl, you. ;)
And keep being positive — it’s infectious, and it’s one of your best qualities.
Umm… I don’t think Pollyanna ever shot a gun. But – if she did – she’d probably say something like, “I’m so glad I shooting something rather than having something shoot ME.”
Well if you remember the movie, Polyanna ended up “changing” all the grumpy, stuffy citizens in the town, and helping them to see the happy side of life. How sweet!
So being called a pollyanna is a “GOOD” thing! A compliment!
Of course , it’s just a Hollywood fantasy made for children.Kinda like a fairy tale.Nothing like “real’ life.
I’m kind of the same way, most of the time. I have my days when everyone is a stupid idiot, but usually, I try to see the good in people. It makes them crazy.
Oh, the people I used to infuriate with the, “You can be glad about it or mad about it but it already happened so you might as well be glad!” thing. I love Pollyanna. She’s my hero. Also, the bloggy proposal made me tear up and I never understood the Dooce thing. Went there once, didn’t get the attraction, never went back again. (I’m basically reading your whole blog today, apparently.)