There is a lot to say about being happy, especially after going through a challenging year like 2020. So, why not make your happiness a focus for 2021?
To start your journey, take a few moments each day to answer this question: What special persons, places or things brought you joy and laughter today?
To capture these memories, create a happiness jar with these 3 simple steps.
Step One:
Pull together the following materials:
1) a glass jar with a lid;
2) small slips of colorful paper (1 1/2 by 4 inches);
3) a pen.
Step Two:
Complete one slip of paper just before going to bed. Write down your daily moment (one thing) that made you happy. Your “something” can be small or big. However, to capture the moment, be specific.
Here are some specific examples:
1) I got promoted to manager of operations which included a substantial raise.
2) I spent a fun day with my friend, Mary, driving up the California coast to Santa Barbara.
3) Joe, my neighbor, helped me put together my son’s bike for his birthday.
Step Three:
At the end of December, open the jar and read your reminders of amazing things that made you smile over the year. It will be well worth the effort.
May your 2021 be filled with lots of blessings and joy!
Written by: Patricia K. Flanigan, Smart Strategies for Successful Living
Patricia K. Flanigan has worked in higher education for over 28 years. She holds a doctoral degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of La Verne as well as a M.A. in Latin American Studies and B.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Los Angeles. Before retiring and moving to Idaho in 2015, she served as the dean of online education and learning resources at Saddleback College, a large community college in Southern California. She currently consults in higher education, volunteers for AARP, writes for a local magazine, and serves as an Affiliate Faculty member at Boise State University. Since February 2017, she has been the founding director for Smart Strategies for Successful Living, a community-based website designed to promote quality aging. As an educator, her focus is to inspire others to live and age well.
