When newly orphaned Pollyanna is sent to live with dour Aunt Polly, the unwanted girl refuses to complain. Heroine of a popular early 20th century children’s series, Pollyanna played the Glad Game. Her father taught her the over 800 verses in the Bible telling Christians to rejoice and be glad is a sign God takes joyfulness seriously. By the end of the first book and the classic Disney movie, Pollyanna’s contagious optimism has transformed an entire community.

Being called a Pollyanna is usually not meant as a compliment. But being optimistic doesn’t mean ignoring things which are dreadful or discouraging, it means controlling what you can and not wallowing in what you can’t. Focus on dread and all you have is less joy.