Lessons from Anne of Green Gables
The second book Madilynn and I finished was Anne of Green Gables. She enjoyed it so much, the box set of the series made it on her Christmas list. We haven’t dived into the rest yet, but I look forward to sharing these amazing stories with her.
Anne is an intelligent and imaginative girl, in many ways like my Madilynn, full of questions and energy. Despite obstacles, Anne uses her imagination to create a magical mindset, that gets her through some difficult circumstances. Really, this classic children’s narrative teaches mindset through an emotional story.
Your mindset matters. Whether you dread Mondays or think cold, bleak days are miserable, YOU have the power to change your point of view. “It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly that you will.” Make up your mind to enjoy Mondays and make dreary days fun. It’s so much better to live life with a positive outlook.
Explore. Learn. Discover. Create possibilities by chasing curiosity! “Isn’t it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive–it’s such an interesting world. It wouldn’t be half so interesting if we know all about everything would it?” This is one of many reasons we include child-led learning and experiences in our homeschooling.
You can be more than one thing at a time. You can feel more than one thing at a time. “There’s such a lot of different Annes in me. I sometimes think that is why I’m such a troublesome person. If I was just the one Anne it would be ever so much more comfortable, but then it wouldn’t be half so interesting.” Take the time to figure out the best parts of yourself and build on those strengths.
Enjoy each day. Yes, it is cliché, but it holds a great deal of truth. Life is fleeting. “That’s the worst of growing up, and I’m beginning to realize it. The things you wanted so much when you were a child don’t seem half so wonderful to you when you get them.” The days may seem long even as they tick off quickly. Celebrate the moment!
