“Much more surprising things can happen to anyone who, when a disagreeable or discouraged thought comes into his mind, just has the sense to remember in time and push it out by putting in an agreeable, determinedly courageous one. Two things cannot be in one place.”
Back when we were kids, and we would fall down or if we see a nightmare, we used to cry loudly. And then some adult would come and divert us to something good and assure us that we are brave, and some fall or some nightmare should not affect us, and we’ll forget all about it!
The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett reminded the adult in me to push out any discouraging thought in my mind, and replace it with something more courageous!
The novel centres on Mary Lennox, who is living in India with her wealthy British family. When a cholera epidemic kills her parents and the servants, Mary is orphaned. Mary is given to the care of her uncle Archibald Craven, whom she has never met. When she arrives, she is a rude and a stubborn child. Gradually, we see a beautiful change in her! Once, Mary discovers a secret walled garden which is always kept locked. This garden pushes out the disagreeable thoughts in her, and replaces them with all the positive, happy vibes!
I never read this one when I was a kid, but adulting can be tough, and we need such stories to cope up with whatever life throws at us!
The Bora Booktique 