I know, you might ask yourself now: huh? Pippi who?
You know, the witty and unconventional little girl, hero of a series of books by beloved children’s book author Astrid Lindgren. If you haven’t encountered Pippi and her adventures as a child, and you don’t have children of your own, I would still recommend reading one of those funny, heart-warming, and inspiring stories!
In which ways can we take this red-haired, freckled, and freakishly strong girl as an inspiration?
- She chooses to mold the world to her liking
In short, this means that she chooses to see her world in a way she likes it. Positively. And so can (should) we. Think about it: Our thoughts determine our words and our actions. So if you get up in the morning, thinking that this new day won’t be a good one, that it won’t bring any reason for joy or satisfaction, than this will most probably be the case. BUT, if you start the day with a smile (to yourself and others) and a positive mindset, chances are that the elements surrounding you will reflect that positivity and things will work out in your favor. Trust me, I know, some days can be really challenging to a positive attitude, but even so: give it a try!
We can reach our goals when we believe in ourselves and work hard
- “I’ve never tried that before, so I think I should be definitely able to do that”
One of Pippi’s statements. Adults have a very low tolerance when it comes to trying to succeed in doing something new. No matter if it is a new hobby, sport, a new language we want to learn, a new diet, a change of habits..all of these things require discipline and constant repetition in order to be mastered successfully some day. Adults are much easier disheartened after what they consider failing than children. Children have a natural healthy belief in themselves, and they mainly learn through imitation. So when a toddler sees people walking on two legs, they will imitate it. And they will fall. But they will get up and try again. And again. And again. Just imagine after the third try and the third fall on their butt, they would throw in the towel, thining “Ah, that’s way too hard, I can’t do it, will never learn it, so I’ll just stop trying.” But they don’t stop. 🙂
- Appreciating the little things
Pippi tells her friends that it would be best they would leave and go home because otherwise they wouldn’t be able to come back the next day. In these small lines I love the childlike logic and notion of receiving happiness through the simple things. Such as welcoming your two best friends into your home. Without a goodbye there would not be a reunion.
What gives you happiness?
For me, it is mostly the small things such as a stranger’s smile, a tight hug, a memory passing-by, the knowledge of independence and freedom. (For more thoughts on happiness, see my other post!)
- “…and then one must take the time to just sit there and stare into space” (my own translation)
I love this one. Pippi reminds us of the importance of being in the now. Of appreciating the moment. Of taking the time out of a busy day to just stare into space, maybe just watch people pass by, or watch the trees sway in the wind. These moments work like small energizers to our brain. Small time-outs that are so important to stay balanced and just spend time with our mind. To bring peace into our thoughts, which can be very hectic at times. To just observe, without judgement or evaluation. For me, I know that my well-being suffers immensely if I don’t have the time to do just that. Sit and breathe and observe…
- Don’t let them get you down! Be cheeky, wild and wonderful!
This is not something Pippi said, but her “mother” and creator Astrid Lindgren. I love it, because as a young woman it stands for so many different levels in life. As girls we’re brought up being told that we have to be good children, we have to follow the rules, do things a certain way society expects of us. Girls are supposed to be quiet, tidy, pretty, and so on. And here come this progressive woman from a whole different generation who already gave girls the power she knew they have. So try not to run after the masses. Don’t do something because it’s expected of you, if you do not want to. Don’t hold back your words if they’re true and important. Don’t be scared of trying new things. Don’t deny yourself, body and spirit, the love you deserve.
You are unique.