Pippilotta Delicatessa Windowshade Mackrelmint Efraim’s Daughter Longstocking, otherwise known as Pippi, is OBVIOUSLY a Spunky Misfit Girl.

She does not mess around.

Well, maybe she does, but when she does, she takes it very seriously.

She’s a top-of-the-line, cream-of-the-crop inspiration for holding on to your childlike heart.

Here’s how she does it:

Take tough times in stride.

When her papa was blown overboard at sea, Pippi imagined him as a king on an island of cannibals. She didn’t forget him, but neither did she whine and moan about his not being there. She was sure he’d be back and that he must be having a grand old time with a gold crown on his head all day.

Remember: Wonderful things may be found in strange places.

When she was hunting in the jungles of Borneo (as people like Pippi are wont to do), she found a “very fine” wooden leg. Of course she gave it away to a one-legged man. He was very grateful and thought it the finest.

Use your imagination often and well.

For Pippi, a rusty old tin can is a Jar Without Cookies. Or something you can put on your head and pretend it’s midnight. An empty spool is for blowing bubbles or wearing as a necklace. The possibilities are endless, I tell you, ENDLESS.

Do it your way.

When the policemen come to take her away to the children’s home, she plays tag with them (up on the roof!) and feeds them cookies. When the teacher gives her a piece of paper to draw on, Pippi draws her horse on the floor (of course he wouldn’t fit on that tiny rectangle!).

Explore with aplomb.

Pippi’s always trying things out — whether it’s going to school or climbing into the hollow oak tree or, um, flying — without hesitation. Things don’t always work out, but Pippi never stops enjoying herself.

Have confidence.

Pippi walks straight ahead without looking back at all. She says: “Don’t you worry about me. I’ll always come out on top.”

And it does, indeed, seem to be true.

“You just never can tell about anything when it comes to Pippi.” ~Tommy

Have a favorite Pippi line or moment? Share in the comments!

Haven’t read or watched Pippi yet? Find her here and here.