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A New Year of Celebrating

Discover. Play. Build.

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...

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. 

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! 

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  1. Kirsten FotiJanuary 4, 2014 at 7:44 AM

    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.

    I 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

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    Replies
    1. Michelle HaseltineJanuary 7, 2014 at 8:22 AM

      Kirsten,
      I 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!

      Delete
  2. Jodi SamsinakJanuary 4, 2014 at 8:42 AM

    Love the Happiness Jar and the happiness journal. I have to get one! Thanks for sharing!

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  3. MauraJanuary 4, 2014 at 9:01 AM

    Part 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.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Margaret SimonJanuary 4, 2014 at 9:02 AM

    Gratitude, little words, un-boring lists, all good to get us in the mood of celebrating every day. All my best for you 2014!

    ReplyDelete
  5. Leigh Anne EckJanuary 4, 2014 at 9:23 AM

    Love 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.

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    Replies
    1. Michelle HaseltineJanuary 7, 2014 at 8:21 AM

      Leigh Anne,
      I 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.

      Delete
  6. Linda BJanuary 4, 2014 at 9:44 AM

    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!

    ReplyDelete
  7. TaraJanuary 4, 2014 at 11:40 AM

    A joy jar...just the thought fills me with happiness!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Gigi McAllisterJanuary 4, 2014 at 4:37 PM

    I 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.

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    Replies
    1. Michelle HaseltineJanuary 7, 2014 at 8:19 AM

      Gigi,
      It makes me so happy to know the jar of happiness is spreading! Enjoy!!

      Delete
  9. JulieanneJanuary 4, 2014 at 7:03 PM

    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.

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    Replies
    1. Michelle HaseltineJanuary 7, 2014 at 8:18 AM

      Oh, I love these ideas Julieanne!! Great idea. Thanks for sharing your thoughts!

      Delete
  10. Mary LeeJanuary 5, 2014 at 8:14 AM

    Love 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!

    ReplyDelete

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