BellaOnline Forums Beauty and Self Creativity This week's article: "Creativity and a light heart

This week's article at: Creativity and a Light Heart starts: "There is an old proverb that says, �A light heart lives long�.

What makes a light heart, though?

I think it�s made up of a combination of elements, and I believe that creativity is one of the most important.

The article does go on to say more - but I was wondering what else you thought contributes to a light heart? And how can we encourage that?

For me, it's gratitude. Gratitude unburdens my soul.

Thanks, Lori. I like that one because gratitude can be for anything and for everything. I shall have to start a list. What a great start!

BTW, the link to your site is broken. The one that is above your forum topics. Just thought you'd like to know.

Thanks, Lori (ref link being broken). There are a few things that I can't seem to get sorted. I'm just trying not to tear ALL my hair out...

And what about the willingness to see the funny side? Yep - Snoopy would have a lot to say about that... And he has contributed, too, to a lot of ligher hearts in his lifetime.

And a smile always contributes to a lighter heart - whether it's yours that you give away, or someone else's they're giving to you.

For me it is laughter. I try to find humor in almost every situation. It keeps me feeling good about life in general and the better I feel- the more creative I tend to be.

Hello Pepper - thank you for your thoughts - I agree with them absolutely. Although sometimes it's difficult to find the humor, it's always worth a try - I think that in the trying we are being creative and being creative feeds on itself and makes everything better.

It's a trite and well-worn old saying but remembering to count your blessings helps to lighten the heart. Ok, it can be sooo annoying to be told to do it, especially when things are going wrong, but remembering about it when things are going well kind of consolidates it.

For me it's a sense of adventure -- finding pleasure in small things. Like sitting in a coffee shop and watching children; couples and just marvelling at the beauty of relationships/people relating with love and kindness to each other.

I agree, PennyG - it's a good idea to count your blessings on a regular basis in order to remember they're there - it's sometimes too easy to overlook what we already have, or take it for granted.

That's a good one, voiceovergal - and so often, I feel, a sense of adventure is the flip side of fearfulness or apprehension - if we could just make sure it always went the positive way into adventurousness, life would be that much more creative.

Something that helps me have a light heart is to get out and enjoy the outdoors. A little sunshine and fresh air certainly lifts my spirits.

Oh, yes, Pepper, you are so right!

I'm saying this and outside it's grey and miserable and even the dog doesn't want to go out. However, we will find our sunshine inside, even if not much fresh air...

Spring will be here soon and we'll make up for it then. Good one. A walk always helps.