8 Ways To Embrace Your Inner Anne Shirley
CBC
The red-headed orphan of L. M. Montgomery’s classic tale, Anne of Green Gables, has captured the hearts of countless women, spanning multiple generations, for decades now. From her fun-loving, whimsical outlook on life, to her thoughtful ponderings about purpose and happiness, to her fiery, spunky soul and pithy one-liners, Anne Shirley is one character that we all wish we could be more like.
Well, if you’re reading this, you don’t have to merely wish any longer. We’ve put together a list of simple ways that you, wherever you might be in your own story, can embrace your inner Anne Shirley — because we’ve all got a little bit of Anne deep in our hearts.
01 | Celebrate beauty always.
Anne is known for taking every opportunity to take note of the beauty that surrounds her. A small lake becomes The Lake of Shining Waters; a simple avenue becomes The White Way of Delight. She spots the smallest glimmers of loveliness and celebrates it thoroughly.
Whatever your day-to-day might look like, it is always worth your time to notice and delight in the beauty that is present and waiting to be discovered.
02 | Don’t be afraid of the unknown.
At the start of Anne of Green Gables, Anne is beginning a new life in a new town, with unfamiliar people. And yet, she is not afraid of the unknown, but faces this uncertainty with excitement, with anticipation of what could be, with hope.
There will always be some unknown in your life — whether it’s where you’ll live, whom you’ll marry, or if you’ll get that job. But rather than allowing that to create anxiety or worry, follow Anne’s lead and let it energize you to uncover the next chapter of the story you’re telling with your life.
03 | Invest in your kindred spirit friendships.
If there’s one thing Anne treasures, it’s her kindred spirits. Anne is loyal, devoted, and invested in her relationships, whether to her dear friend Diana Barry, or her stern but loving guardian Marilla.
Love the ones who have been placed in your life; cultivate deeper relationships with them by prioritizing time with them, calling them just because, adventuring with them, or even simply sharing secrets over a cup of tea.
04 | Let yourself daydream now and then.
No one daydreams like Anne Shirley daydreams — famous for her vivid imagination, her whimsical ponderings, and her rich inner world. Anne’s daydreams make the real life that she’s living out all the more beautiful.
There is nothing like daydreaming for the nourishment of heart, mind, and soul. It allows you time and space to uncover the playful, childlike wonder that is still present within you.
05 | Practice wise hopefulness.
Anne is nothing if not wildly, unapologetically hopeful. And yet, she is also thoughtful with her hopefulness, using wisdom to know where to place her hope.
Dare to choose hopefulness in your life, right where you are today, just like Anne does — but use discernment to know what is wise to hope for rather than letting your hope run wild.
06 | Dress your best.
“It is ever so much easier to be good if your clothes are fashionable,” says Anne. And while appearance isn’t everything, she’s got a good point. Caring for and taking healthy pride in the way you present yourself will give you a good dose of confidence and cheerfulness.
07 | Admit to your faults.
Anne may be full of joy and spunk and desire, but she’s also honest about her shortcomings and humble enough to ask for forgiveness when it’s necessary.
Admitting that you have your faults is an important part of embracing your inner Anne — accepting that there is still room for your growth and owning up to your mistakes.
08 | Be the reason someone smiles.
Anne doesn’t just make the other characters in Anne of Green Gables smile — she also makes each of us smile, every time we interact with her and her sunny, imperfect, sweet character.
Whatever season you might find yourself in, strive to be the reason someone finds joy today. Tell a joke, give a compliment, or simply offer a warm smile to someone who looks like they need their spirits to be lifted.