Lessons I Learned from Anne Shirley

If you’ve read the Anne of Green Gables novels or watched the films, you have likely been inspired by her unique and beautiful spirit. Together let’s visit Green Gables and be enchanted by the lessons Anne has taught us!

“They shouldn’t call that lovely place the Avenue. There is no meaning in a name like that. They should call it – let me see – the White Way of Delight. Isn’t that a nice imaginative name? When I don’t like the name of a place or a person I always imagine a new one and always think of them so.”

How often do you use your imagination? It’s something we’re encouraged to do quite often as children but once we reach a certain age, using our imaginations often becomes less of a priority. Whenever I read Anne of Green Gables, I’m reminded of the enchantment that comes with using my imagination and how simple it can be too!

“True friends are always together in spirit.”

This lesson rings true more than ever in a day and age when so many of us meet online! I’ve met dear friends through our virtual kindred community whose friendships bring such light to my life. One of my favorite ways to stay “together in spirit” is exchanging handwritten letters.

“Isn’t it splendid to think of all the things there are to find out about? It just makes me feel glad to be alive – it’s such an interesting world. It wouldn’t be half so interesting if we know all about everything, would it?”

There are countless ways to continue to expand our minds and enrich our lives through learning. Even if you are no longer in school, there are creative classes, libraries filled with interesting books, and people with fascinating stories.

“I believe the nicest and sweetest days are not those on which anything very splendid or wonderful or exciting happens but just those that bring simple little pleasures, following one another softly, like pearls slipping off a string.”

Although Anne certainly has a penchant for extravagance, she recognizes the beauty in simplicity too. This piece of wisdom resonates with me even more as an adult. With the busyness of everyday responsibilities, sometimes something as simple as going outside to smell the roses truly does make for the sweetest day!

“I’ve made up my mind to enjoy this drive. It’s been my experience that you can nearly always enjoy things if you make up your mind firmly…Oh, look, there’s one little early wild rose out! Isn’t it lovely? Don’t you think it must be glad to be a rose?”

When I first read Anne of Green Gables, Anne’s attitude towards being sent back to the orphanage struck me. I couldn’t imagine how devastating it would be to finally have a real home…just to have it ripped away from you. On the drive back to the orphanage, Anne declares that she is going to enjoy it. In moments of particular hardship, I picture Anne, well-aware of her ill fate, yet determined to celebrate the beauty surrounding her and instantly feel uplifted.

“Oh, it’s delightful to have ambitions. I’m so glad I have such a lot. And there never seems to be any end to them– that’s the best of it. Just as soon as you attain to one ambition you see another one glittering higher up still. It does make life so interesting.”

This lessons probably resonates with me most. Nearly everyday I find myself adding to a long list of hopes and feeling inspired to work towards each one. Life really is more interesting when it’s filled with daydreams of the beauty tomorrow will hold 💕 What is at the top of your dream list? I would love for you to share!

“I went looking for my dreams outside of myself and discovered, it’s not what the world holds for you, it’s what you bring to it.”

I’ve come to find that we are often far more capable than we believe ourselves to be. This lesson from Anne reminds me that sometimes the answers we’re searching for aren’t always external…sometimes they’re already within us and we may inspire someone by them with the world.

“That is one good thing about this world…there are always sure to be more springs.”

This final piece of inspiration from Anne Shirley is a special reminder that no matter what, there will always be more opportunities to grow and flourish 🌸

What is your favorite lesson from Anne Shirley? Share with me in the comments below!