Anybody a fan of Polyanna? I always have been. She had a game called the glad game, no matter how hard something was or difficult, one could always find something to be glad about. I guess over the years I've developed my own "glad game." When I was much younger I found myself being unhappy and discontent about "things." After going to visit family members in their beautiful homes I would come back to my home and be very unhappy. Their homes "matched," their furniture "matched," their decor "matched". I would look around my home and imagine how I could make my home "match." It would always end the same way - I wasn't in a position to afford to make my home "match." My basement remained unfinished and would for many years, my furniture did not match - and still does not for the most part. I made myself miserable. One day as I was wallowing in my woes, I came to the realization that I could spend my entire life being miserable for what I did not have and what I could not do. Did I really want to do that? Would I wake up one day resenting those people that I loved the most because I did not have or could not do the things they did? I took stock of what I had. I had a husband who loved me dearly, he worked hard and was very good at his job. I was a stay at home mom who was blessed to "be there" for my seven children. My home was comfortable and provided for what we really needed. I had food on the table and my children did not go hungry. Most importantly I had my membership in the church and the gospel of Jesus Christ. How could I pine for "things" I did not have. And so came about my glad game - if I could not have something or if I could not do something - I certainly could be glad for those who did. It was an amazing turning point in my life. Oddly enough, the glad game has brought me immeasurable joy. I would never have believed that being glad for the accomplishments, the activities, the possessions of others could make me so happy and so content. I have been eternally grateful for the day that I made the conscious decision to be "glad" for others.
4 comments:
I loved Pollyanna as a kid. I should watch it again. What you said is so true. When I find myself feeling jealous about something someone else has, I try and make myself feel happy for them, even if I have to pretend I feel happy. It is like magic. It really does change everything.
So true! It is so hard sometimes to be happy with your life. Living here is henderson it was a struggle for about 18 months until I realized that it doesn't really matter! You can love others and yourself with out having what they have. And even more so, most people don't even care what your house or clothes or whatever looks like anyways! The relationships I have treasured most in my life have been those with others that are different from me, but we connect anyway. People is what is most important! I am still learning all this and wise and wonderful women like you make it easier. Love ya!
Hi Debbie, I found your blog this morning and I am so happy I did. I love Pollyanna and I needed to be reminded to be "glad" for what I have. Growing up next door to your family I have always been so grateful for the good friends we were blessed with, even when we didn't have as much. I know my parents wouldn't know what to do if you guys didn't live next door. Thanks for raising such an awesome family!
Yes, I remember the day I called you for help. I was so sick, and I knew you would have some good advise and words of comfort.
Remember the first time you and Jeanine saw me with my pregnant belly. Jason and I arrived late to Jordan's football game in Blanding. We walked up the bleachers and I saw your beaming smile. I could tell you were so excited to have another grand baby on the way.
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