One of my favorite lines I have ever read is “I’m so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers.” Written by LM Montgomery in her timeless book “Anne of Greene Gables,” the character and book became a close friend in sixth grade, but it wasn’t until recently that I truly learned to appreciate her wisdom. Tonight, as I sit at home thinking about life, I am drawn to the words of LM Montgomery via her most famous character, Anne Shirley, the orphan girl from Prince Edward Island with a vivid imagination and an enviable, wholly positive outlook on life.
When I think of Anne, her beloved Matthew and Marilla, bosom friend Diana, and her eventual love, Gilbert, I always make comparisons. Like Anne and LM Montgomery, I have a sensitive personality and often sought refuge in books, writing, and my imagination. I still do. Anne’s thoughts mirrored much of my own when I was a young woman, but it’s not until now that I feel I truly understand her.
I used to think I would never have a large group of friends, especially female friends. All of my close friends were boys. Until I met a group of women who are now part of my tribe. We share our ups and downs, laugh together, but what is more important, they get me. They accept all of my quirks. They love me. I am a truly lucky girl to have found the Diana to my Anne, even if quite a few of them are Anne’s themselves.
I don’t think we are ever just one person. At times, I would love to completely focused and centered on one thing, but that is not who I am. Just like Anne, there are a lot of Lisa’s in me and I’m enjoying exploring all of them. These different parts of me keep me going and pushing forward.
I never understood Anne’s comment about ambition until recently. As an adult, I have achieved many of the goals I had wanted to achieve. But there are new goals for me, new heights to climb, and new ambitions glittering away. They may be just out of reach, pushing me to climb the higher, but I’ll go prepared with my duster to clean things up along the way.
That being said, ambition is a beast who will suck your soul dry and I remind myself every single day that ambition gives and it takes away. There are always sacrifices to be made and I have to be willing to accept the consequences, no matter what.
Anne also reminds me that I am lucky to be alive. This world might be a big scary place, but I am so very thankful to wake up every morning, take a deep breath, and give thanks that I’m alive and I am here. I wouldn’t trade this life for anything.