A New Year of Celebrating
Every Saturday I get the opportunity to celebrate the week over at Ruth Ayres' blog,
Discover. Play. Build. Thank you! It's become a highlight of my blogging week!
Celebrating endings and beginnings usually make me sad...but not now. I'm excited. I'm joy-filled.
Celebrating my bowl of happiness...my joy jar...
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| New Year's Day
It's empty now. I will spend the year filling it with memories, surprises, blessings, ordinary miracles of my life. I originally heard about it from the author Elizabeth Gilbert. I tried it last year and didn't get past March...so here's my new bowl of happiness. I've even given some jars that I decorated to my friends for their own joy jars. I'm grateful for my practice of gratitude with my family and friends and on my own. I celebrate being grateful because I believe it has changed me. I love this new ritual and look forward to incorporating it into my years to come.
Another ritual I've practiced since 2009 is One Little Word from Ali Edwards blog. My word this year is risk.
.JPG) You can read about it here. I celebrate my word. It helps to guide me throughout the year. I look forward to blogging about it this year too. Yesterday as I was browsing through my feedly, I found a post on Teach Mentor Texts about and Un-Boring List. I can't wait to finish my own. It fits perfectly! |
Instead of a bowl or a jar, I have a five-year, one-sentence a day happiness journal. I am on year two. It's interesting to be able to see what made me happy on this day one year ago - everything from finishing a book to watching tv with my adult son.
ReplyDeleteI like what you did with your word. I may need to create something for home and for school as a reminder.
Thanks for sharing - Kirsten
Kirsten,
DeleteI love the happiness journal you described! I used to keep a notebook in my car and write my gratitude list at the really long light at the end of my street. So many ways to be grateful! I'd love to see what you create with your word!
Love the Happiness Jar and the happiness journal. I have to get one! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much! I'm glad it made an impression!
DeletePart of my goal for 2014 is to find happiness. I love the idea of the jar and the daily journal. I will have to try these.
ReplyDeleteYay, Maura! I'm so glad!!! Happy 2014!
DeleteGratitude, little words, un-boring lists, all good to get us in the mood of celebrating every day. All my best for you 2014!
ReplyDeleteHappy 2014 to you too Margaret!
DeleteLove the joy jar. I'm trying hard to keep up with my journal of 1000 gifts. Did you make your framed word or did you buy it? Looking for something myself. Have a great week Michelle.
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne,
DeleteI made the framed word...bought a frame and used stickers!! I have one for each of my words. As I'm typing, I think I should add the year to the framed word.
Wonderful to see the things you made for the OLW & the joy jar, Michelle. It will be fun to hear all you share about these in the coming months! Happy New Year once more!
ReplyDeleteThanks Linda!!
DeleteA joy jar...just the thought fills me with happiness!
ReplyDeleteMe too, Tara!
DeleteI love all of it! I too have been trying to think of an unboring list but it still doesn't seem exciting. Risk us a great word. I will be participating in olw for the first time this year. I will write about it Tuesday as I still have yet to decide. I am stealing the jar of happiness idea. Thanks Michelle.
ReplyDeleteGigi,
DeleteIt makes me so happy to know the jar of happiness is spreading! Enjoy!!
What wonderful ways to keep your blessings and learning visible. I love the word risk. Your post gives me an idea about combining your two ideas. Maybe putting my olw (wonder) on a jar and fill it with times I notice it happening.... Perhaps have it at school for kids to add in .... just thinking. Thank you for making me think... one of my favorite things to do.
ReplyDeleteOh, I love these ideas Julieanne!! Great idea. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
DeleteLove your Joy Jar! Such a tangible reminder of all the good in our lives. Your word is a good one, too. Lots of learning in store for you this year!
ReplyDeleteYes, Mary Lee! Thanks for your comment!
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