Keep a green bough in your heart? In case you’re wondering about the title, I’m referring to the Chinese proverb: If I keep a green bough in my heart, the singing bird will come.
This is one proverb I’ve always loved. Though I don’t quite know what exactly the Chinese mean by it, my understanding is that if you create the right ‘atmosphere’ in your heart, you can enjoy much happiness.
Keep A Green Bough In Your Heart
The other day an anonymous comment on this blog said: “Hey Corinne, how do you stay so positive and happy?” I’m glad I seem to radiate that – it’s something I’ve been working on for a while. I’d like to answer that question by saying that the secret to happiness is GRATITUDE – the best ‘green bough’ you can cultivate.
Zig Ziglar says: “Of all the ‘attitudes’ we can acquire, surely the attitude of gratitude is the most important and by far the most life-changing.” How true! Over the last few years, I’ve learnt to be grateful for the abundance I enjoy. I’ve started cultivating a habit of constantly giving thanks to God for the wonderful life I have. I thank Him for specific blessings and for life in general.
More recently, I’m learning to be grateful even when things don’t go according to plan, because my plans are not always for the best! So when I’m feeling low about something, I stop and start to focus on being grateful and my mood lifts. When our hearts our full of gratitude there’s not much room for anger, resentment or self-pity. As Sarah Breathnach so beautifully says: “When we choose not to focus on what’s missing from our lives but are grateful for the abundance that’s present… we experience heaven on earth.”
I’m convinced that when we are grateful our blessings seem to multiply as we unconsciously attract more abundance in to our life.
So keep the green bough of gratitude in your heart and soon your heart will be singing!
Yay! One of my favourite bloggers is back with a new template et al! :)I like this template, so much fresher and nicer. And of course, I shall keep a green bough in my heart, and wait for the singing bird to pay me a visit…
@ Sumit – Thanks for the welcome and the sign-off on the new look. The little birdie will come sooner than you know – haha…
@ Vidz – Whose idea was it? :)@ Fafy – Thanks – still working on your tag!
Love your new header Corinne! And what you say is so true, yet so very hard at times! but will try my best to take your advice!:)
Love your new look.Your posts are so inspiring as always.xo
@ Lisa – Thanks so much. You never fail to make me feel good :)xo
The header is good and this place is always positive. That's what I love about it. Hope you are doing good, Corinne.
That was a nice thought you shared! It is so important that gratitude and positive thoughts take their place in our garden of our minds.
@Solilo – You made my day – thank you!@ Gopinath – I liked the phrase 'garden of our minds' – might use it sometime – copyrighted? 😉
Corinne, I love the new header! Its fresh and clean and goes great with the green bough proverb, which I loved (along with the rest of the post!). I've got unending gratitude for everything, especially a singing heart! Glad to have found you and yours. April
@ Anon – Thanks for stopping by. Hope to interact with you.
hiya just registered and put on my todo listhopefully this is just what im looking for looks like i have a lot to read.
Thank you for this inspiring message! I totally agree with you — gratitude solves many issues! 🙂
Thanks so much for linking my blog, Corinne. I love connecting with positive caring souls like you. Here’s to sharing the ‘good stuff’ in the world. Much love, Nicole xx