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...
|
The Definitive Guide to Air Plants: Grow Without Soil
Learn how to grow and care for air plants, a cool and low-maintenance addition to your indoor garden.
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.
Myth or Truth: Is Bird Poop Harmful to Our Cars?
Here's what to do in order to prevent bird poop from damaging your car
5 Natural and Homemade Hairsprays for All Hair Types
Worried about using chemical-laded hairsprays for your hair? Try these DIY natural alternatives instead.
A Complete Guide to Solving Your Problems
Your ability to solve problems, or lack thereof, has a great bearing on whether you can be happy and successful. Try these 3 problem-solving methods.
Sometimes Happiness is Hidden Under (Or In) Our Nose
These 8 scents can uplift your mood and bring about joy.
A Few Beautiful and Flowery Thoughts on Positivity...
In life, you have to give yourself the space to allow your beautiful, positive thoughts to bloom like a beautiful flower. Watch this video to understand more.
This Video is a Must for All History Buffs!
Seeing history move right before our eyes teaches us so much about the last 2000 years!
English Really Needs a Translation for These Foreign Words
With so many words in the English vocabulary, we still as yet have to come up with a word to describe how we'd feel in these instances.
Rare Photos Showing What Flying on the Zeppelin Was Like
Rare photos showing why flights on the Zeppelin and Hindenburg were expensive.
Experience the Dramatic Moments of WWII in Moving Color
This 13-episode television documentary series recounts the major events of World War II in HD color.
12 Vintage Christmas Songs That Still Warm Hearts
These classic Christmas songs capture the spirit of the season.
20 Cognitive Biases Ruining Our Decision Making Process
If you find it hard to make a decision, these cognitive stumbling blocks could be what's affecting your behavior.
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" are Much More Than Just Music
In this TED-Ed video, Betsy Schwarm explains just why it is that you should listen to Vivaldi's "Four Seasons."
All Coffee Drinkers Should Know These 17 Facts
A lot of adults drink at least one cup of coffee each day, but very few actually know these facts about coffee.
2024 is Here! And This is Why You Should Be Excited for It
2024 is here! And this is why you should be excited for it.
These Native American Achievements Are Truly Outstanding!
Read all about ten of the greatest achievements that the Native Americans made before the arrival of Europeans
Hark Back to Meiji-Era Japan With These Stunning Pictures
The Meiji Era was a time of great change for Japan, transforming from a feudal state into a capitalist, imperialist one. Take a look at these stunning pictures.
You Will Love This Collection of Rare Historical Photos
This amazing collection of vintage photographs will give you a unique glimpse of the past.
17 Fascinating Facts That You Probably Didn't Know
17 tidbits of information that you probably didn't know and will probably surprise you.
Grandma Gets Asked a Question and Has a Perfect Response
When I asked grandma what she thought of events in recent years, I found her answer intriguing. It made me realize how much things have changed...
I Bet You Never Knew These U.S. Geography Facts...
Do you consider yourself to be a proud American who knows all there is to know about the good ol’ U.S. of A.? We bet you didn't know these facts!
This is How Prison Cells Vary Between Countries...
Prisons across the world vary a lot. These photos of cells from all over show how different countries treat their criminals, and the contrast is eye-opening!
How Clean Are Hotel Rooms, Really? Find Out the Answer!
Hotel rooms always look clean and fresh, but are they?
14 Photos That Prove Just How Tough Winter Can Be!
Winter, as these photos undoubtedly show, is one of the toughest times of the year!
This Is What $300,000 Will Buy In 15 Different Countries
If you dream of living overseas, you should know your dream is more attainable than you think. This is what $300,000 would buy you in 15 different countries.
Be Prepared! These Facts About the World Are Pretty Scary
These facts are incredibly fascinating... but they've got an element of spookiness to them too!
50 Years On, Looking Back at the Great Train Robbery
The Great Train Robbery was one of the greatest heists in British history. This documentary could be the last chance to find out the answers everyone wants...
These 3 Breakthroughs Are Making Historians Jump for Joy!
Learn about some of the most fascinating findings that archaeologists and historians have recently uncovered. Get ready to be amazed!
These Victorian Era Facts Are Instantly Fascinating
An era of 74 Years in English history, the Victorian era is one of the most interesting periods in history.
I Can't Wait to Try These Exciting Kitchen Inventions
Whether you like cooking of not, you'll surely appreciate these ingenious kitchen gadgets designed to make life easier.
How Many of These Facts About Common Items Do You Know?
Do you know about these facts for common products?
From Ages 7 to 93 these People Share Tips on Ageing Gracefully
Watch people of all ages offer words of wisdom to their younger counterparts.
20 Mind-Boggling Food Facts to Nourish the Mind
Here are 20 mind-boggling factoids about the foods we eat every day.
16 Wonderful Japanese Ideas We Should All Start Copying
The Japanese are unique. Their ways seem perfectly designed to help the population live happy fruitful lives. Here are 16 cool Japanese things we should copy.
These Naval Battles Changed the Course of History
History has been witness to some momentous naval battles. Here is a look at some of the greatest.
See How the Egyptians Actually Built the Pyramids
While we marvel at the great pyramids, we know little about how they were actually constructed. This video sheds some light into that.
A Fascinating History of Clothing in the Ancient World
Ever wondered what fashion was like in the ancient world?
This Magical Shadow Dance Show Will Leave You in Tears
The most beautiful shadow dance performance.
Wow! I Had No Idea That Whales Could Show Gratitude!
One whale was so grateful for the man who saved his life, he showed his appreciation - by dancing!
The MOST Shocking False Etymologies in English
If a word's history sounds too good, it probably is.
Important Weapons from World War II Still in Use Today
World War II ended almost 80 years ago, but some of the weapons from the war are still in use today.
Historical Window: Looking at Women Workers in WWI
Women made a significant contribution to the Allied effort during both World Wars. Take a look as these fascinating photos of women at work during WWI.
I Just Wanted to Let You Know: I'm Thinking of You
Is there anyone in your life whom you're thinking of deeply right now? Send them a little greeting to let them know.
From Across the Decades, These Photos are Fascinating!
Join us as we take you through the ages and see some really incredible sights!
These Photos Prove How Strange of a Country South Korea Is
The following images illustrate how strange of a place Korea is.
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".