I was sold. I had to have my own Happiness/Happy/Happy Happy Joy Joy Jar for 2014. In 2013, I experimented with Alan Epstein's How to be Happy monthly lists, but I wanted something new for 2014.
Then I got sidetracked reading about all of the other cool things Elizabeth Gilbert thinks about creativity and writing and I forgot about finding a jar and scrap paper.
But I follow her on Facebook, so I kept seeing all the pictures she shares of other people's Happiness Jars, and kept thinking, "I've got to have an empty jar/bowl/beer stein around here somewhere." I was determined to "catch up" on recording happy moments from the year so far.
Finally, I cleaned my room. In between sliding my dresser one way and my bed the other, I came across what I think used to be a candle holder, now empty. I'm sure at one point I planned on storing pens inside, but I have plenty of cracked-but-still-have-sentimental-value mugs for those. A Happiness Jar it was. Is.
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| She's nothing much to look at, but soon she will be filled with happy. |
It sits on my desk, waiting for goofs, successes, blessings, silver linings, and fond memories written on scraps of paper. At the end of this year (or on bleak days--looking at you, Feb/Mar), I'll read through them for even more happiness. It'll be interesting to see how my definition of "happy" changes throughout the year.
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THANKS: Jesus for dinner at Chipotle after a long & trying day of giant puddles, endless driving, and late starts.
This is such a good idea!
ReplyDeleteAnd so simple! I think the dividends will be well worth it.
DeleteThis is such a good idea!
ReplyDeleteI could use some happiness in a jar...what a clever idea. Of course, Elizabeth Gilbert is full of clever ideas, lol.
ReplyDeleteI know, she's top notch.
DeleteI saw that too and wanted to start one. I still haven't yet...
ReplyDeleteThe beauty of it is that you can start/stop whenever...like Elizabeth Gilbert says, no rules!
DeleteLove this idea. I'm afraid that no rules will mean that I won't do it. But I will try!
ReplyDeleteI think as long as we are more mindful of our positive moments, the "jar" has done its job.
DeleteWhat a fun idea--it will be so cool to look through in a couple of months.
ReplyDeleteYes, I am looking forward to revisiting all my moments throughout the year!
DeleteI saw a friend on fb do that too--it's a great idea!
ReplyDeleteFrom all the pictures Elizabeth Gilbert posts, it seems to be a popular thing. So glad it's caught on.
DeleteCan't wait to see how full your jar is in the future.
ReplyDeleteMe either!
DeleteLove the idea! Visiting from Yeah Write's moonshine. :-) Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThanks for stopping by!
DeleteLove the idea! Visiting from Yeah Write's moonshine. :-) Happy weekend!
ReplyDeleteThis is awesome! I recently started doing something similar called "increasing your sense of mastery" wherein every day you acknowledge something that you accomplished that day and give yourself a literal pat on the back for it. It becomes quite useful when it feels like you're treading water and everything is stagnant.
ReplyDeleteHi! I was just revisiting old posts and saw this comment...which somehow slipped through the email cracks. This is another great idea. I give myself pep talks on the regular, so I know how useful it is to have your biggest supporter be yourself!
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