AND FINALLY

Three things to make my heart sing

READING sparks creative thoughts — this time, it was The Storyteller’s Secret by the American inspirational speaker Carmine Gallo.

About how successful people turn passions into performance, the book noted that Steve Jobs, the co-founder of Apple, said people should follow ‘ what makes our heart sing’.

I pondered this. It doesn’t mean ‘What do I like?’ or ‘What’s my favourite hobby?’ Enjoyment isn’t necessarily joy. Lying awake at 3am (as so often these days), these first three ‘heartsongs’ bounced into my head: 1. Our home. The rooms and all my treasured things bring me peace and delight. I don’t want to leave it. 2. The sound of the grandchildren calling my new nickname, ‘Bibi’ (apart from when they’re whining, that is!). Bibi is Swahili for ‘old lady’ or granny — and this new stage in life is so precious. 3. My adored Maltese dog, Bonnie. Yes, she died in November 2015, but just thinking about that pure, unconditional love we shared still brings me joy. (Incidentally, my book on this subject, Goodbye Pet & See You In Heaven, is just in paperback).

Of course, there are other things. My heart sings when I visit one of our great cathedrals, when I hear my parents laugh, when I look at trees, when I see my husband looking ‘Easy Rider’ on the HarleyDavidson. A patriot, I feel that uplift at great national occasions. But those very first thoughts are more revealing.

And when I talked about this on the phone with my best friend Gaynor, she simply said: ‘I can tell you honestly, our friendship makes my heart sing.’ Naturally, my own heart took to the microphone just hearing those sweet words!

I can see that for a football fan, the winning goal in a crucial match will spark sheer ecstasy. For a farmer, it might be a good crop.

This is a good exercise for everybody! Jot down three things that make your heart sing. I’d love to know them.

÷ Bel answers readers’ questions on emotional and relationship problems each week. Write to Bel Mooney, Daily Mail, 2 Derry Street, london W8 5TT, or email bel.mooney@dailymail.co.uk. A pseudonym will be used if you wish. Bel reads all letters but regrets she cannot enter into personal correspondence.