16th June 2018: When people talk about 'being a Pollyanna' it's a put-down, as if Pollyanna was a stupid little girl who looked on the bright side of things at all times and didn't understand reality. Have any of them ever watched Pollyanna? It's fucking brilliant. She is hard core.
Her parents have died and so she is sent to live with her cold and unloving Aunt in a town of close-minded and miserable arseholes. To preserve her own sanity and integrity she continues to play a game of gratitude and hope called 'the glad game'. Yes, the movie is drenched in Christian morality, but if you can look past that at the nugget of truth at the centre it still stands. Hope for the good. Be kind. Let prisms of light dance in your windows; enjoy the most simple of moments.
How that became equated with something watery or pathetic I don't know.
"Oh such a Pollyanna"would be one of the great compliments in my book. She was not afraid to be different and to hold her hope out openly in a scathing environment. Her character was rebellious in her optimism!
When she has an accident that might leave her paraylsed from the waist down she plunges into her 'dark night of the soul'. It is only then that the towns folk finally realise the treasure they have in her and it's their turn to 'play the glad game'.
Yes to Pollyanna, because holy crap people, we need a bit of the glad game. We need to appreciate what we have, those we love. People say they do, but as ever, actions are where it's at. You can say your family comes first, but if you never spend time with them, what does that amount to?
So here's to Pollyanna. That movie is about bravery, optimism, overcoming tragedy, having the courage to honour your values, inspiring others, being creative and encouraging people to get in touch with their own journey. The next time someone says you're being a Pollyanna - take a bow and tell them that it makes you 'awfully glad'. :)
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| With my beautiful niece. I'm very glad. |
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