What Is a Happiness Jar and How Do I Make One?

There’s a fresh new year ahead and not a goal or resolution in sight. You want to focus on the positive and be happier but don’t know where to start. Why not make a happiness jar?

What Is a Happiness Jar?

A happiness jar is a physical embodiment of all the happy moments, big and small, that happen in your life. Every time something good happens to you, or you have a moment of pure joy, you write it down on a piece of paper and put it in the jar. Over time, you build up a collection of happy memories that you can look back on when you need a pick-me-up.

Why Make a Happiness Jar?

There are a number of reasons you might want to make a happiness jar. Maybe you’re going through a tough time and need a reminder that good things do happen. Or maybe you just want to focus on the positive more. Whatever the reason, happiness jars can be a helpful tool in your quest for happiness.

How Do I Make a Happiness Jar?

Making a happiness jar is easy. All you need is a jar (any kind will do) and some slips of paper. You can decorate your jar if you want, but it’s not necessary.

Once you have your materials, start brainstorming all the happy moments you’ve had in your life. Write them down on the slips of paper, one per slip, and put them in the jar. You can date each slip if you want, or just write a brief description of the moment.

There are no rules for what goes in a happiness jar. Anything that brings you joy can be included. Here are some ideas to get you started:

-A time when you laughed until you cried

-A time when someone did something nice for you

-A sunset or other natural beauty that you stopped to admire

-Your favorite song playing on the radio

-An unexpectedly good day at work

-A child’s laughter

-Recall your happiest moment

-Write down gratitude

-Journey to the exotic and the unknown

As you can see, happiness jars can be a fun and easy way to focus on the positive in your life. Give it a try and see how it makes you feel writing down the happiest moments in your life.

Is It Worth It To Make a Happiness Jar?

Yes! Studies have shown that focusing on happy moments can actually make you happier. One study found that people who regularly wrote about positive experiences were happier and less likely to be depressed than those who didn’t.

When Do I Open My Happiness Jar?

You can open your happiness jar anytime you want, but it’s especially fun to look back on at the end of the year. Seeing all the happy moments you’ve experienced can help you appreciate how good your life really is.