For those of you who may not know, Pollyanna, the heroine in Eleanor H. Porter’s 1913 classic children’s book of the same name, is code for optimism.
A Pollyanna is someone always opting for sunshine, rather than clouds.
Definitely a honed skill.
It can be challenging looking for that silver lining, especially while being pelted with stones by your contempories, who would rather sink into the abyss while you smile, handing out party favors.
Even Abraham Lincoln, known for his melancholy said, we are as happy as we make up our minds to be, so Polly, though annoying to some, was and is, always on the right track, even if her peers would like to tie her to it, waiting for that train.
In other words, I always try to look at the good since, hope does spring eternal.
It’s not just a rumor.
It’s like flipping on your headlights, instead of driving in the dark, a no-brainer, making you wonder why there’s so much opposition.
My good cheer was questioned recently by someone who may be dating Lucifer for all I know, their sole interest only in themselves, telling me how annoying I am being chronically kind. At the time, I was reading a book on Princess Diana who too was loathed for her endless supply of empathy, in her case, by the Royal Family, and apparently used to cry over it.
I also took the criticism to heart, not really considering the source. All I heard was, you still can’t get it right Susannah, now can you? So after a long muse on Diana’s in-laws, her warmth obviously threatening their chill, I’ve decided to adopt that theory as well.
I firmly believe, and I’m no heroine like the true Pollyanna, but if we were more like her, and Diana, Princess of Wales, the world would be in much better shape.
As of now, in the spirit of both women, one fictional, one true, my heart will remain open, despite being shot full of holes. 
SB
I admire your ability to stay cheerful and not get jaded. It would do us all a lot of good to have that.
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I just try really hard but it’s not easy. I’m a melancholy sort by nature, like Abe, so it’s s bit of a fight but we Pollyannas keep at it.
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Well, misery loves company, so I think anyone who dumps on you for being kind or upbeat must be pretty miserable themselves. Why wouldn’t you cheer on positive things in others? It’s still hard to take, I know. Don’t let them get you down. I admire you a lot.
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Oh David, you say such sweet things. See, the downside of Pollyannaism is she’s over-the-top sensitive, and the bitter truth is, I don’t take a punch like I used to. Takes me longer to get up off that matt that has holes in it at this point. But I do have strength, get it from my nutty mother who kept going no matter what. I’m a lot kinder than she was, get that from me dad. Genes, they’re impressive, designer or otherwise. Thanks. 🙂
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I tend toward melancholy myself but I don’t let it take over my life. I have a friend who is anything but a Pollyanna and she gets sort of mad when I counter her negativity with what she calls my “ridiculous optimism”. I feel bad for her, she’s so angry and sad. It takes some work to be happy and hopeful but worth the effort. Don’t let the negative Nellies get you down, Susannah, life is good if you don’t weaken.
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I have a friend like that too. After she spews her unrest I say, tell me something good. She never fails to look bewildered. See, that’s the key besides knowing, to quote Annie, the sun will come out tomorrow. So nice hearing from you. Regards to Teddy.
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I think you have the right attitude. I know I should follow your lead but I can’t seem to do it or, at least, not consistently. Every time I turn on the news I am presented with another evil perpetrated in my name and paid for with my taxes. Of course, there is bugger-all I can do about any of it but it still depresses me.
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I’m not saying I’m the Miss America of Pollyannas, I stumble often enough, but get up off the mat and pick back up those party favors. If not I’d be hanging from my shower rod.
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You are a beacon in my darkness!
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In sweat pants and a hoodie. 🙂
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Bravo Susannah! It can’t be easy to be positive—god knows this world gives us plenty of reason not to be—but we need beacons of positivity like yours. If nothing else, it shows the rest of us that it is possible—particularly when it’s easier to not try at all. ‘O)
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I cry all the time. That woman crushed me that day, like a tank careening out of nowhere. I try to stay the course of goodness only because I know too well how the alternative feels. My heart is held together with epoxy but still beats to see another day. Thanks.
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“My heart is held together by epoxy. ” I like that and it sounds so true. You’re an inspiration. ‘O)
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You know how it is when something delicate gets broken a zillion times. Sigh
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Susannah, I’ve come across plenty of happiness crushers, including one of my sister-in-laws (on Pookie’s side, ha ha). You’d have to have the hide of a rhino not to let nasty and hurtful comments get to you. But after licking your wounds a bit, simply consider the source. Keep your chin up and have a teeny bit of sympathy because of the dark cloud hovering over the arrow slinger, giving a perpetual overcast outlook.
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Love…arrow slinger, and happiness crushers, the latter could be a drink. Makes you respect rhinos just a little more, doesn’t it…:)
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I have such great positivism in the wake of all the pessimism being lived (sort of) all around me.
I have been laughed at, scorned, and snubbed. It’s okay. I, like you, am just going to be that way.
Thanks, in large part, to God, but also to Pam Grout “Thank and Grow Rich” and Neale Donald Walsh “Conversations with God Book1” as well as “Friendship with God” for keeping me upright and happy.
You, my Dear, are not alone and are cared for, dearly,
Scott
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Well, that’s quite a comment Kindred along with a colossal nod. 🙂
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All I can say is, it is a truly needed way of being. And yes, there are many challenges with all the nonsense we are being bombarded with by those who are disconnected from their own hearts and way too attached to the trappings of ego-centricity, but I say thank you for reminding us of the joy that kindness fills a place within with the sheer joy of connecting heart to heart and soul to soul!!! Merci beaucoup!!! This is a reminder to me to be thankful for the connections with others that bring me joy and that others no matter what their circumstance, are as we are…in need of loving kindness.
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Hear Hear Alva!!!
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It’s not easy being positive in the world today, so THANK YOU for being who you are and shining your positive light when you can. Hopefully, people will follow suit.
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No they won’t. I’m an anomaly these days. It’s why I’m so annoying to the world.
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I love your sunshine and compassion. Reading your posts lifts my spirits and polishes my smile. If all your readers could clap together, your ears would ring.
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You made me remember the part in Peter Pan when Tink asks everyone to clap if they believe in fairies. 🙂
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You have fairical traits!
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If you must know, I do believe in fairies.
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There are many unexplained things in this world.
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Yes there are. So many things, like why you’re so kind and thoughtful towards me, someone you’ve never even met…Unexplained things number 50,4012…:)
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I love people, and you have come alive for me through your writing. I admire you for all the compassionate things you do. AND you are lots of fun!
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Shucks Anne. I don’t know what to say.
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No need to say anything!
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Okay, since I’m not much of a talker. 🙂
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Just keep writing!
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I will. What sage said, write because you have to? Have no choice. Have a lovely weekend.
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You are spot on. Writers are compelled to write. Thank goodness!
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Thank goodness. You said it sista 🙂
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