I grew up loving Anne of Green Gables. I was a bookworm and a chatterbox, so when I first “met” Anne, I felt like I had met a kindred spirit.

When the mini series was released on TV, I watched it faithfully every year and was transported into a world where I was understood and where everything made sense.

I was both jealous of Anne and in awe of her. I envied the relationship she had with Matthew (her ‘adoptive’ dad), admired her gumption and optimism, grieved for her losses, and dreamed more than anything that someday, there would be a boy like Gilbert in my life who would look at me like he looked at Anne.

Image Copyright: onepony / 123RF Stock Photo

My favourite fictional literary character taught me many life lessons that I still believe to be true to this day. She helped shape me into who I am.

Things I Learned About Life from Anne of Green Gables:

1. Marry your best friend.
2. You don’t need to be blood to be family.
3. Love fiercely.
4. Wait for a man who isn’t intimidated by your brain.
5. Cover the plum pudding.
6. There’s nothing wrong with talking to yourself.
7. If you’re going to do something, do it with full abandon.
8. Memorize one great poem. You never know when it will come in handy.
9. A good imagination makes life far more interesting.
10. If you’re going to apologize, do it thoroughly.
11. Accepting a dare is never wise.
12. Always look for the best in others.
13. One good friend (bosom buddy) is all you really need.
14. Don’t be afraid to stand out.
15. Choose your children’s names well. Names matter.
16. Read. And don’t be ashamed of it.
17. Write. Write what you know.
18. First impressions aren’t everything.
19. Raspberry cordial and red currant wine are not the same thing.
20. You can “just feel a prayer”.
21. Life’s trials build character.
22. We live in an interesting world. Discover it.
23. The truth will set you free.
24. Prince Edward Island is beautiful at any time of the year.
25. “It’s not what the world holds for you; it’s what you bring to it.”
26. There’s no substitute for hard work.
27. Girls are just as capable as boys.
28. “You don’t make an important visit in your kitchen clothes.”
29. Never buy hair dye from a road-side pedlar.
30. “Tomorrow is always fresh with no mistakes in it” (yet).
31. Kindred spirits can be found in people of any age.
32. False accusations hurt.
33. Life’s too short not to wear puffed sleeves (or the current fashion equivalent).
34. A good vocabulary is an asset.
35. The troubles we bring on ourselves are the hardest to bear.
36. Always check to be sure a bed is empty before jumping on it.
37. You’re never too old to play.
38. It’s always worth it to speak up for what’s right.
39. Give hard news and good news in person.
40. Fight for what you believe in.
41. Tell the people you love how you feel.
42. Aim high.
43. Being smart is better than being pretty.
44. Sacrifice for those you love.
45. Sometimes what you’re looking for has been right under your nose all along.
46. In writing, there will be rejection letters. Lots of them.
47. People will talk.
48. Don’t stake your word of honour on cows (or anything else you can’t control).
49. Today is a gift.
50. Adoption can be a beautiful thing.
51. Modern technology is not always better.
52. Never threaten to do something unless you’re willing to go through with it.
53. Kindness goes a long way.
54. Naming something (or someone) helps you connect with it/them.
55. Don’t let your past define you.
56. Be a good teacher.
57. Anticipating an event or trip can be half the fun.
58. Let yourself feel and feel it intensely, the good and the bad.
59. That’s called passion and there’s nothing wrong with it.
60. Don’t give in to bullies.
61. Marry someone who challenges you and isn’t afraid to tell you the truth.
62. It’s never too late to learn a new skill.
63. Be a loyal friend.
64. Don’t conform to society’s expectations or limitations.
65. Don’t let the doubts of others impact your goals.
66. Go for broke!
67. Embrace every moment.
68. Giggle.
69. Dance. Dance by yourself if you have to!
70. Sometimes the greatest beauty in the world is in the smallest details.
71. Look for them.
72. Not everyone wants what’s best for you. (see below)
73. There will always be Josie Pye’s in this life.
74. Ignore them.
75. Don’t try to be anyone other than yourself.
76. Be humble.
77. There can be treasure hidden inside the people you least expect there to be.
78. Look past their gruff exterior and the hurt they carry to find the kindred spirit lurking inside.
79. Coming home is a great feeling.
80. There are some things that simply cannot be expressed in words.
81. Be a ‘glass-half-full’ person.
82. It makes living so much more pleasant!
83. Find the good in every situation.
84. Don’t let fear hold you back.
85. You’re never too old for love.
86. Return to where the dreams closest to your heart are.
87. Know how to spell C-H-R-Y-S-A-N-T-H-E-M-U-M.
88. It impresses people!
89. God knows what (or who) you need, even when you may not.
90. Try not to repeat the same mistake twice.
91. Never settle.
92. Take time to look at the moon, watch a sunset, pick apples, go for walks, listen.
93. “Next to trying and winning, the best thing is trying and failing.”
94. If you have big ideas, sometimes only big words will do them justice!
95. Hold onto hope because you never know what might be around the next corner.
96. Appreciate the seasons.
97. Remember your roots.
98. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.
99. Boldly go after your dreams.
100. Anticipate joy.

I don’t normally dedicate my posts to anyone, but I wrote this one for my sister-in-law Deanne, a fellow Anne-girl fan and a true kindred spirit. Deanne, you have been such a blessing in my life. Your friendship, your acceptance, and your heart are all gifts that I treasure.

“Remember, true friends are always together in spirit.”

What about you? If you’re an Anne of Green Gables fan, what is your favourite Anne moment?