The Glad Game

I do love November. Fall is still hanging on, as winter teases us with occasional bursts of snow and rain. Thanksgiving means holiday meals with the people I love.  I just so happen to have been born in November which means it's the month I have always felt the most spoiled. I just love November.

When I was little, my mom introduced me to the concept of Pollyanna's Glad Game. Mom has always encouraged us to be grateful for the simple things, and to seek the silver linings of the inevitable clouds.

There may be some who scoff at endless optimism as an approach to life, but as Pollyanna said herself, "When you're hunting for the glad things, you sort of forget the other kind." 

With Thanksgiving approaching, my thoughts turn to counting my blessings, and my "grateful for"s. I could play Pollyanna's Glad Game every single day, and never tire of it. I kind of do. It may drive some people crazy, but I can't help it. I "ooh" and "ah" over every little thing. 

The last leaves of autumn clinging to a branch. A nibble of rich chocolate. The heat of my electric blanket as it radiates across the bed. Lightly spiced muffins. A text from one of our kids. Chuck's offer to do the dishes. Gentle rain on a metal roof.

Pleasure can be derived from the most minute of details. Breathing fresh mountain air. Noticing neon green lichen on a rock. Finding something that had been lost. Spying early morning dew on a blade of grass. A gorgeous display in a shop window.

One thing for which I am most grateful is having a partner who can appreciate the little things with me. Chuck has an easy-going personality, and his deep appreciation for all that is beautiful and good reminds me to keep positive. His eye for detail is something that takes his photography to a higher level, and it makes him notice even the small stuff. He is good at mentioning specifics when he gives compliments. Daily, I can count on him to thank me for things I do, and to point out positives throughout his day. During phone calls, he will tell me to look outside at the sunrise, or he will describe the leaves as he is driving to work.

It's not always easy to feel grateful. Sometimes we could give in and let pain dominate our day, or we could succumb to a lingering mood. There will always be challenges and setbacks, but if we allow ourselves to settle in to the moment, we might discover the hidden gifts waiting to be found.

"Thirty days hath September, April, June, and November..." This month, would you like to join me in taking time each of the thirty days to make note of the things that make YOU glad? 

When you first wake up, or right before you go to bed, think about the good things for which you're thankful. You don't have to post them on social media, although you could. You don't have to write them in a journal, but you could. You don't have to do it at all, but you might find that it is a worthwhile pursuit. Go ahead. Play the Glad Game. You might be glad you did.