The conceptual use of the happiness jar is to make note of a happy moment every day. Then tuck the message inside your jar, and continue this every day for the year. At the end of December, make time for yourself to sit uninterrupted, open the jar and read through all of the moments from your past year.
I often reflect on how our world seems to be moving so quickly, with everyone in a hurry to get from one day to the next, and in that state of “busy”, we lose sight of the part of ourselves that focuses on being grateful for the moments and people in our lives that are so important to maintaining our sense of happiness… perhaps even our sense of completeness.
Ideas to boost our mood and to be more cognizant of life’s blessings are always welcomed, and when I first discovered the idea of a ‘happiness jar’, I was very intrigued. What a great idea!
Simply put, a happiness jar is a container in which you place a daily note of gratitude. At the end of each day, you write down on a piece of paper a good thing that has happened to you, because of you, or a moment that you are grateful for. You then fold or roll up the note and place it inside of your happiness jar. Simply continue this every day throughout the year, and in December as the year comes to a close, take time to sit and reflect on the wonderful memories and moments from the previous year.
Take time and enjoy the moment as you create your ‘Happiness Jar’
The choices of what you can use to create your jar are many ~ perhaps you will choose something that reminds you of a special piece of your past, or alternatively, you might select a vase or pretty box that you absolutely love but have never had just the perfect use for… until now. Whatever you choose, I suggest that it is something that sings to your soul and brings happiness to you when you look at it.
The simple act of daily reflection and taking note of your blessings as you select your entry for the happiness jar provides instant gratification and the ‘slow down’ that I believe we all need. It takes only a moment, but you may find that this part of your day becomes a favorite time to sit with a cup of tea, your paper and pen and the opportunity to soulfully reflect on your day while choosing which moment to write down and add to your jar.
And last, but certainly not least important, is that the long term benefit of this is fantastic! Sitting with your happiness jar as you prepare for a new year to unfold and taking time to read those 365 of your happiest moments from the previous year.
This is a feeling that no other person, place or object can provide to you or for you. This is an example of the happiness you give to yourself.
How to Make Your Own Happiness Jar
1 – Select a jar or container to hold your happiness notes.
I suggest that you use a container that you love. Decorate it with ribbon, lace, stickers, hanging decorations ~ whatever makes you happiest.
2 – Choose your notepaper in advance.
You may want to cut up little squares of pretty paper, use little memo pads, or perhaps a selection of different colors of paper ~ this is entirely your choosing. Find a creative way to store them next to your jar with a few nice pens or pencils.
3 – Select the spot where you’ll keep your happiness jar, paper and pens.
It’s up to you how private or public it should be, but you’ll want to it to be in a place you see and access every day.
4 – Now for the writing… my personal favorite!
Write about something that has made you feel happy or that you are grateful for every single day, no matter how big or small. Tucking happy souvenirs into your jar, such as movie tickets, restaurant bills, airline tickets or other mementos is also a great idea.
5 – The extras are special too! For the special days, or when you’re feeling particularly creative, you may want to roll up your handwritten note and tie it with a cute ribbon or a piece of twine.
I hope this idea for capturing your memories in a beautiful place until it is time for you to sit and reflect upon them again fills you with happiness, calmness and peace.
Happiness lives here…and within you… enjoy.
I’m a proud mom, a friend to many, and have a profound belief in human kindness.
My goal to live a happy, healthy, and fulfilling life includes my love to write about things that resonate with me. My gift to you is sharing my perspective on living a happy life.
xx
