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Monday, December 10, 2007

Practising Gratitude for Creative People, Part 3


When it's this kind of weather...


I'm grateful for a fire.

So why practice gratitude? Why be thankful all the time, not just during the holidays, or at other "required" times. And why are those that practice, practice, practice, the most creative?

Studies have long shown that those who practice being thankful are the most happy. On the Authentic Happiness site there's even a gratitude questionnaire. But what does that have to do with being creative?

One of the main, and most important, parts of creativity is problem solving. Coming up with various and multiple ideas is one major part of creating. Creating problems and more problems and then solving them in interesting ways is the work of writers.

When we practice being aware of our gifts, our fortune, our good luck, then it is far easier to come up with ideas. Or conversely, have you noticed when you focus on your misfortune, how it can be almost impossible to problem solve? Or even have any ideas? All there is, is the difficulty, the flaw, the bad luck. It looms large. But remember one thing you're grateful for, no matter how small, and opportunities open up.

So, when has gratitude given you an idea, a solution, or even a wonderful problem?

4 comments:

Nancy P said...

Conda, you've been tagged. :)

http://sweetmysteryoflife.blogspot.com/

The Muse said...

Thought provoking, I'll have to check out that site. I need some inspiration!

I know this is trivial, but I was so grateful when my 3 year old mastered the potty. I even wrote an article with a strategy to get it done over a weekend.

Conda Douglas said...

Muse, that doesn't sound trivial to me! And Nancy thanks for tagging me!

Nancy P said...

It's nice of you to thank me. You could have cussed me. :) It was actually fun to do my list. I'm eager to read yours.