I pick Anne of Green Gables. A couple of decades ago, I would have picked Stargirl as the book character I’d like to be. I already loved Anne Shirley, but I was more concerned about being alternative and unique. That’s not really unique these days. Not to mention that it was also rather a superficial and insecure reason to favor a character. It’s like basing who you are on other people even if your main thrust was to be not like them.
Now, Anne Shirley – she’s a girl after my own heart. She has the traits that I feel would make me nicer and happier. She’s just overall a lovely character with a fun imagination, creative spirit, and strength of character.
Despite seeming like a paragon of virtue, she’s so clearly not, especially in her younger years. That’s why she’s also very relatable.
Positivity
Not to make any pompous claims, but I do already share some characteristics with Anne Blythe, née Shirley. For instance, I do believe that I have a fertile imagination. Some might describe it as overactive, but why split hairs? So, while I have imagination in spades, I can’t say the same for optimism. This little raincloud definitely needs to be more positive.
Because of her sunny outlook, the rest of the good stuff like confidence, creativity, sympathy, etc. seems to follow more easily.
Self-awareness
Anne has a strong sense of self. I should be old enough to know who I am, but it seems I’ve only just started to discover who I’m not, and, either I changed a lot in the last score, or I’m not at all who I thought I was.
Hindsight is 20/20, and I’m really learning that I had an overblown estimation of my capabilities. I can now tell where I had gone wrong, where I should’ve done differently, and how a collection of cases in point tells me the areas wherein I really need improvement. My sense of self is strong in determining my quirks and weaknesses, but I’m stumped about my strengths.
Friendship
I have a handful of friends to whom I’m loyal, but I’m not the best at making new friends. I’m lazy and the worst kind of introvert to boot. Social interactions can take a toll on me. I like having them at the moment, but then I feel really drained afterwards. Anne is obviously better-adjusted than me.
Charm
Ha! I can only wish! 😀
P.S. May I add first and second runners-up? Third place would be Francie Nolan of “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” and second place would be Lady Marguerite Blakeney of “The Scarlet Pimpernel.”
P.P.S. Did you guys notice the new header image? Do you prefer it to the old one? No wrong answers! I’d like to know your thoughts.
This Small Life 