The Dark Side of Pollyanna

Pol ly an na

noun:  an excessively cheerful or optimistic person

 origin:  early 20th Century; the name of the optimistic

heroine created by Eleanor Hodgman Porter (!868-1920)

The name, Pollyanna, was given to a fictional character who was sugary sweet and outlandishly hopeful.  Our society tells us:  "Put on your game face" or "Show your good side".  This may be fine for a fictional character, but emotionally crippling for a human being.

There are parts of self entrenched in darkness, reaching out with gory hands, and grasping at a stream of light.  Feet can be unsteady and struggle to remain on a chosen path.  Conflicting knowledge can overwhelm, and there is definitely a dark side to every Pollyanna.

The posts on the blog, Virginia's Voice, strive to highlight strengths while shining light into darkness.  The intention is to illustrate how to replace judgment with loving kindness.  There is encouragement to discover nooks and crannies waiting to be explored with creativity.  The goal is to be able to present to the world our truest sense of self while aligned with all of our diverse parts.