The beginning of a new year is the perfect time to think a bit about our happiness. It could be that 2013 was good enough, and it could also be that you could have done more to be happier. The 'happiness jar' is a great way to bring joy into our daily life.
It's easy, all you have to do is take a glass jar and put little bits of your life in it.
How to get started?
Think every day of something that makes you happy. It could be something that happened that day, but it can also be anything else. Be honest with yourselves, and find something nice about your day. To do this, you must disconnect your mind from any fixed perceptions of fake happiness, dependant on money or material things, and think of the simpler things in life, the little moments that make them worth living.
The happiness jar is only yours, and only you can decide what goes into it. You can put in a note on which you wrote your happy thought, or a stub of a ticket to a movie you loved. A painting, a poem or a nice shiny button even - as long as it represents a happy moment in your life.
A little tip: The more details you add to these bits, the easier it'll be to re-experience those moments of joy.
The jar is a symbol of your inner optimism, your belief that life has a bright side. So decorate it as you wish, use colored or other beautiful paper for your notes, and don't neglect it, after all, it's where you keep the happy moments!
When do we open the happiness jar?
When we make a happiness jar, we usually only open it after a year. But in real life, sometimes you just need to be reminded of all the good times. When you have an especially bad day, open the jar, reach in and find something to smile about and fill up those optimistic banks a little bit.
Be well, and remember, there's always something to be thankful for...
|
23 Creative Gardening Ideas to Inspire Your Spring Garden
Gardening can be enjoyed by anyone! These creative gardening ideas and hacks which might be just the inspiration you need for your spring garden.
Don’t Toss Old Garments: Here Are 7 Better Ideas
Not all the cast offs from your closet are destined for the trash. In fact, there are plenty of better things you could do with your old clothes. Here are 7 examples.
Here's How to Make Pretty Opaque Window Frosting!
If curtains aren't really your thing, then why not give opaque window frosting a chance? Here's how to make your own at home.
Tie the Knot: 12 Useful Knots You Can Learn Today
Here are 12 knots you can use today. This video will demonstrate each of them clearly.
One That Really Feels Like the Real Deal: DIY Potato Chips
Enjoy your homemade potato chips, but this time they'll come out crunchy, guaranteed.
Now is the Time to Revive Your Patchy Lawn
Early fall is the perfect time to cure your dry, heat-beaten lawn. Here's how.
Ancient Technologies That Remain a Complete Mystery
Scientists may have solved the mystery of Egyptian pyramids, but there are still so many findings that are left completely unexplained
Can You Guess the English Word With Over 600 Meanings?
The English language has been around for so many centuries, it has gathered quite an elusive and industrious history, as seen in these facts
12 Beautiful Quotes that'll Make You Smile and Grin
If you want a smile, you've reached the right place...
Mark Twain Really Had a Way With Words
These great quotes from Mark Twain are all-time classics, and worth remembering.
This Has to be the Most Graceful Dance Performance Ever!
A breathtaking and beautiful performance by Cheetah Platt and Erica Linz on the gound and in the air.
The Truth Behind These Animal Myths Will Shock You
Here are a list of facts about animals we thought to be true.
Witness the Might of the World's Greatest Empires
The world's greatest civilizations and empires had a marked effect on history and shaped the world as we know it today. Watch these informative videos.
These Photos Make Sure We Will Never Forget WW2
These photos document some of the moments of this epic yet haunting time in our history. I hope that future generations will not forget the lessons that war has taught us.
Millennials Are Killing These 12 Industries...
The preferences of millennials are destroying dozens of industries. Here are 12 industries that they're killing.
13 Insightful & Thoughtful Quotes by John F. Kennedy
In this article, we will explore some of the best quotes by John F. Kennedy, which reveal the depth of his wisdom and his dedication to public service.
From Across the Decades, These Photos are Fascinating!
Join us as we take you through the ages and see some really incredible sights!
Celebrities of the Past In the Most Fascinating Photos
These rare images capture celebrities, royalty and scientists as you've never seen them before. Be sure to check out this extended picture gallery.
These Well-Known Places Have Their Hidden Secrets!
These well-known places have their hidden secrets. Read this article to reveal all!
Then & Now Photos Show How the World Has Changed
Here are some of the best pictures contributed by their users. Which impressed you most?
This is What Happened to the Man Who Didn't Salute Hitler!
Nearly eight decades have passed since a camera captured the moment a man refused to give Hitler a Nazi salute. Here's what happened to him.
There is No Greater Blessing than Your Family
Beautiful Words: Having a family to care for is a blessing.
Do You Know The Origins of These Common Phrases?
There are many phrases that we use in English that we never give a second thought to. Here are 9 common phrases with rather sinister origins.
You Will Not Look At These 6 Historical Figures The Same
The rumors and myths of these historical figures are already considered facts. The truth, however, is completely different.
10 Incredible Magic Tricks You Didn't Know You Could Do
Time to try out some really cool magic tricks using just your hands...
20 Astounding Facts That Will Skew Your Perception of Time
These 20 mind-bending facts will show you just how warped your perception of time really is. Enjoy!
You Won't Believe What This Man Built in His Back Yard...
This man has created something amazing at his home that has immediately become my dream.
12 Rules for Basic Etiquette that Should Still be Practiced
It feels like people forgot the meaning of politeness, well these 12 rules of manners should be read, remembered and acted upon.
8 Infamous Crimes That Left a Mark on History
These true crime stories became so sensational that they changed the culture and went to be remembered in history.
I Just Wanted to Remind You: You're the BEST!
Do you know someone who ought to be given some appreciation? Make their day today by congratulating them with a sweet compliment!
Watching These Tigers Released Is a Powerful Experience
Watching these powerful, royal tigers given their freedom again is a magnificent experience, one that reminds us of the power and majesty of these animals.
Ten Reasons Why Japan's Schools Are Spectacular
How is it Japan is so special? Perhaps it is all down to their unique education system. Here are 10 amazing things about Japan's schools you never knew!
How Companies Deceive Us All - 20 Pictures
As these 20 pictures prove, companies are constantly lying about the size and the quality of their products through deceptive packaging!
98-Year-Old Gives a Brilliant Live Piano Performance!
American Singer Josh Turner's very talented grandmother-in-law gets a standing ovation for playing "How Great Thou Art" on the Piano.
Is There Anyone Luckier Than These Two Close Friends?
DJ Ginsberg and Marilyn Wagner paid just $2,000 for what would turn out to be a fascinating piece of motion picture history. Hear all about their story here.
You Won't Believe People Actually Collect These Things
Check out these strange things people actually collect.
15 Lovely Christmas Quotes That Will Fill Your Heart with Joy
These beautiful Christmas are sayings everyone can be thankful for!
20 Maps and Charts That Explain the World in Unique Ways
Time for some more fascinating and informative maps that show interesting aspects of our planet.
These Facts Sound Made Up, But Are Totally Real!
These weird facts may sound completely fake, but we can prove that they’re actually real.
A Fascinating History of the New Year’s Eve
Did you know that New Year's hasn’t always been celebrated on January 1?
10 Richest People From History You Should Know About
A look at 10 of the richest people that lived in history. From emperor Mansa Musa to Muammar Gaddafi, it presents the insane sums these people had.
22 Facts That Will Change What You Think You Know
From Facebook to Winston Churchill, these 22 surprising facts are very interesting.
These Common Words Began as Mistakes - Unbelievable!
Some spelling and grammar mistakes change a student’s grade for the worse, others transform the language forever.
News That Inspires: Positive Stories From Around the World
There are so many good things happening in the world. Here’s a look at some of the most inspiring news updates to brighten your day.
You Should Share This With Your Younger Family Members
This enlightening message highlights the state of the world and reminds the social media generation of something vitally important.
Did You Know How Incredible You Were in Your Youngest Days?
Your baby self was incredible! Here are some facts to back this statement up...
17 Extremely Dangerous Foods That Could Kill You!
From toxic fish, to monkey brains, you'll be surprised at what some people would risk just for a taste of these dangerous "delicacies".