Millions of people know that a gratitude attitude has powerful benefits for the grateful person and everyone around her. It might even be argued that “Grateful, Thankful, Blessed” is an attitude that is good for the entire planet. But it’s not a popular mainstream subject – just watch or read today’s news and decide if you feel more grateful. Go on. I’ll wait.

Pollyanna To The Rescue

If you decide that you want to be more grateful about the countless blessings in your life, how do you do it? I’ve tried several times keeping a gratitude journal. The trouble is, for me at least, it becomes a chore, homework, a “duty”. There isn’t any joy in it so what’s the point? Pollyanna to the rescue. When gratitude and optimism become a GAME, it’s so much easier. At least it is for me.

Pollyanna And The Glad Game

The original Pollyanna book was written by Eleanor H. Porter and was published in 1913. Pollyanna’s mother died at an early age and her father died when she was 11. Her only relative is her stern and joyless aunt Polly who doesn’t really want to raise her orphaned niece, but feels it is her ‘duty’. Polly is a wealthy woman with a beautiful home, yet she puts Pollyanna in at attic room that has no carpet, decorations or even screens on the windows to relieve the stifling summer heat yet keep out the flies. She feels no compassion for an orphaned little girl, although she was named after Aunt Polly and another sister, Anna.

Aunt Polly’s favorite word is “duty” and she plans to raise Pollyanna to be the same way. But she can’t do it because Pollyanna is devoted to the “Glad Game” which was invented by her late father. In fact, Pollyanna reforms the entire town and becomes a beloved child of the village just because of her (almost) unfailing optimism and gratitude.

If you have the slightest interest in being more grateful, you cannot miss this wonderful story!

If you'd like to know more about the fabulous book, read our reviews: