Let Your Heart Be Light

Let your heart be light. What do you think of when you hear this? 

If you didn’t recognize this phrase, this is a song lyric in a popular holiday song. I got to thinking about the deeper meaning of this phrase within the context of well-being. 

Is your heart light? What does that mean? What does a light heart look like? How can we describe, measure, or even observe a light heart? 

 For me, my heart feels light when I am tucking my children in bed at night and when I check on them when they are sleeping. There is a special and wholesome feeling watching children sleep brings us.  

When do you feel that your heart is light?  

Notice that the lyric says “let” rather than “feel.” This word choice suggests that we have more influence over our feelings than we think. We sometimes get caught up in a problem and we forget our internal capacity to cope and make healthy choices. We choose not to experience peace and joy. We choose unhealthy thinking patterns or to let our worry thoughts define us.  

When you feel a light heart, are your troubles indeed out of sight? 

Perhaps we can have a light heart even when we have troubles and struggles. Our mindset can make a big difference in our day-to-day mood. Allow yourself to breath and manage stressors. Your heart may be lighter and fuller. 

Pay attention to those warm feelings. Look for the good. Focus on your ability to handle difficult situations. 

Happy holidays!