The Happiness Jar by Jen
Does anyone know about the happiness jar idea?
It could be called a mindfulness jar, or a joy jar. It is normally started on new years day,
It is an excellent way to try keep you and your household ok. In these challenging times we are having to create a new way of living.
What makes you happy is personal to you. But basically make an effort to notice something that made you smile, laugh or excited. It could be a kind act that you see in life around you or online, a kind word you said to someone, something beautiful… something wonderful… these are all things that make me happy.
What would your list be like?
So, here is you how you make your jar in 5 easy steps…
- Take a jar, could be an empty clean jam jar to start with, before you are allowed to go out and buy a bigger one! Keep the lid. Put a label on it called “The happiness jar” or “joy jar”. Stick on with sellotape.
- Cut up or tear up little bits of blank paper, recycled from envelopes etc if possible. These should be about 2 or 3cm square, or just a random small size. You may have a lot of time on your hands so if you want to cut up 2 or 3cm squares perfectly go for it!!
- Put the pieces in the jar, along with a small pen or pencil if you can find one small enough to put in the jar.
- Keep the jar on your table so that when it comes to mealtime you can remember it, and write down two things that made you happy that day. For example, when my little girl was dressed for world book day as Hermione Granger with her cape and and I asked her to do a spell Hermione would do and she said “asparagus”… and it made me laugh so much for ages, I put it in the jar. Or having a bath and listening the birds in the garden. Or Chris Martin doing a Facebook live from his house! It really can be that simple.You will find that you have to force yourself to do it at times.
- Date the memory with the month and year. Put in the jar. The jar is normally opened on or just before New Years eve. I really look forward to it. I keep the memories and put them all in a sealed envelope marked with the year.or if you journal, stick them in your journal.
It is like planting happiness seeds to grow new better ways of living and being. Please let me know what you think in the comments and if you have given this idea a go. i made a basket full of them and put them outside my house for passers by to take and a sign on how to make one themselves. People wave as they pass by. Add pictures of your memories on your little pieces of paper.
We are all in this together.
You will find that happiness is in the smallest of things. Stay well x
