When I was about 10 years old, and refusing to read books, my mom convinced me to read my very first novel. “You will love this story, I promise,” she said. “It is about a little girl who reminds me very much of you. She is always positive, finding ways to be happy.” My mother’s comments sparked my attention. That is how I fell in love with the classic American novel “Pollyanna” written in 1913, by Eleanor Porter.
Following my own advice to others of “honoring the desires of your inner child,” I recently ordered a copy of this novel and I decided to re-read it as an adult. It was my way of connecting to my inner child and doing a joyful activity of reading novels once again.
What is striking about this story is that Pollyanna and her father played the “glad game” as a method of coping with the real life difficult situations that seemed out of their control. “The game was to just find something about everything to be glad about-no matter what that was”.
As I started reading it, I thought this story is relevant more than ever. We are at a time where most of us feel out of control. While we have experienced difficulties before, something about Covid and its drastic impact on the world has left many of us feeling helpless, lost, and in survival mode. If there is a time for the Glad Game, it is NOW.
As a psychologist who has been treating others during this difficult time, this personal activity of re-reading Pollyanna has been a form of self-care for me, reminding me to focus on what I have in my life rather than on what was taken away from me. As this pandemic continues, bringing the worst out of 2020 and continuing into 2021, I invite you to play the Glad Game. This simple concept of finding the positive in any situation can help you get through these dark days, and all other dark days that you might face in the future.
For my holiday gift to you, I would like to share a few prompts that have helped me personally:
I am grateful for:
- Being alive
- Family
- Health
- Love
- Work that I am passionate about
- The ability to help others
I know 2020 has not been your typical year. But just like Pollyanna showed us over a century ago, there is always something to be glad about. This holiday season, I encourage you to find your own reasons to play the Glad Game. And remember — kindness, gratitude, and connection are the greatest gifts we can give to ourselves and to others.
Happy Holidays and a Happier New Year.
Dr. Karol Darsa
