I’ve been hearing a lot of grumping lately. Inflation, the pandemic, job issues, politics, and all sorts of issues are making people very disgruntled. When things feel bleak, when you’re feeling stuck, or you can’t see anything good in your life, you’d be amazed at how much you have to be grateful for. So I am re-posting Get “Things to be Happy About” #17: A happiness jar. Start counting your blessings.
Small Joys:
cats always have a happy smile. This sweetie is my cat “Carl.” He makes me happy too!
There was a slew of deaths of people I loved dearly. Worse, they happened within a couple of months of each other. One was my twin sister (and the other “advice sister”) Jessica. How could I possibly be happy?
One day I simply broke and I felt the full weight of my grief. I was feeling horrible. My old orange cat rubbed against my leg and looked up at me. I knew that she knew I was sad. I reached out to pet her and she purred. That was all I needed to shift my mood. Maybe it’s a little thing, but a cats’ purr can bring joy.
Things To Be Happy About Columns:
Life isn’t always sad or bad, of course. However, when the Pandemic shut down NYC completely, I was still recovering from major surgery. This was not a happy time. Worse, my in-box was flooded with all sorts of dreary and dire missives about death, disease, and fear. I wanted to offer something positive to my readers and followers so I started the advicesisters.com “Things to be Happy About” column.
In the past columns, I focused on the thing that I’m grateful for. The small bits of happiness that even a Pandemic couldn’t ruin: New Years Goals, fireflies, a mama bird on her nest, something I lost and found, good old friends, ice cream, friends, my guest posters, my friend/Colorist David Stanko, music, good food, flowers, smartphones, pets, light…sunsets, and now, A Happiness Jar.
A Gratitude/Happiness Jar:
Even if you’re not going through something serious, it’s a good idea to start a “happiness jar.” Each day you write down something that made you feel good, or that you like/appreciate/love. Put that piece of paper in the jar. At the end of a week (or a month, if that makes more sense for you). open the jar and literally “count your blessings.”
You don’t have to use a fancy jar like the one above. Use whatever jar you have available. Decorate it if that’s fun for you. I have used a simple quart mason jar. I like to see the pieces of paper pile up in the clear glass. However, you can just use a box if you want. You do you.
It might be a stretch at first. Dig deep if you have to. But what you’ll find is how many amazing things you have in your life. Try it, it works! So #17 in the advicesisters.com “Things to be Happy About” is the Happiness Jar!
What Makes You Happy?
If you have read this far and you like this series, would you share a comment and let us know? You can also contribute to the ‘Things to be Happy About” series. Tell me what makes you happy and we’ll use it on advicesisters.com. Comment, or tweet @advicesisters #TTBHA. If you want to comment but not on a public forum, contact the advice sisters by email.
