My friend Sarah shared with me last year that her sweet family does an annual gratitude jar. I LOVE this concept because gratitude can really change your perspective on everything.
If you are grateful for what you have, you’ll always feel like you have more than enough.
Gratitude absolutely creates a happier mindset; it’s the reason why gratitude journals have become some popular (hey, if my girl Oprah finds it worthwhile…).
For those not familiar with a gratitude journal, write each morning 8-10 things you’re grateful for. It could be a hug from someone special, for your health, for your morning coffee, for a fun girls night in, really… anything that fills your heart with gratitude. You can use any of these ideas as a place to start! You can’t help but look at your life in a more full, happy way when you do this.
Same goes for the gratitude jar. You can do this solo, with your family or roommate. Even the littlest kiddos will appreciate this.
Grab a jar — a mason jar works great — and leave out small blank sheets of paper. You can even corral your gratitude jar in a small tray with a few pens, markers or crayons if it makes it easier.
Write a brief note daily, weekly or anytime (though I suggest giving yourself a minimum), with anything you’re grateful/thankful for. You can also expand on the concept to include happy moments, successes, funny moments… you set the parameters and have fun with it.
BEST OF ALL: On January 1, 2019, set aside time, open them up and read the notes from your gratitude jar. Talk about the best way to reflect and relive your best moments of 2018. I can imagine it being perfect solo, and equally wonderful with a family… be it little ones or high school kids. Plus, just like demonstrating daily gratitude, it somehow makes the less-than-stellar moments slip away.
Join the Conversation
Jessica
January 28, 2018 at 10:54 AMThis is such an awesome idea. I should definitely do this. Thanks for sharing dear!
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Alyson
February 1, 2018 at 9:25 AMDefinitely a way to always focus on what we have, instead of what’s not.
Heidi
January 25, 2018 at 8:57 PMThis is an awesome idea! I’m sure it could be hard to keep up with but what a rewarding exercise!! Thank you for sharing:)
Heidi || Wishes & Reality
Alyson
February 1, 2018 at 9:26 AMActually… one of those things you don’t need to overthink! Some weeks you might put in a few, and maybe then a few weeks go by.
Celina Bazin
January 24, 2018 at 11:00 AMA gratitude jar is a fantastic idea! I started this for my family last year around February and instructed my kids and husband to drop notes in the jar anytime they wanted. We read all the notes on New Years Eve and it was such a wonderful time for us to share. It was a treasure to look back at special moments throughout the year. We are (obviously) doing the same this year and I look forward to reading all the grateful moments 🙂
Alyson
February 1, 2018 at 9:27 AMI love this so much, Celina. That’s such a sweet family moment and such a great tradition. Plus, I bet it will be equally fun to read years from now as well!
Kimberly Smith
January 24, 2018 at 6:12 AMLove this idea and I think it would be excellent for setting an example for kids about appreciating what they have!
Alyson
February 1, 2018 at 9:27 AMAbsolutely — particularly since much of what we are grateful for is the intangible. A great way for them to recognize the moments.