We think when we are happy then we will be grateful; but it works just the opposite. We need to surround ourselves in gratitude and then we will find happiness. I’ll demonstrate.
When I first read about making a “Gratitude Jar” on Facebook, I smiled thinking “how cute”, kind of elementary to those of us who consider ourselves already living in evident abundance. But even with my skepticism I decided to try it because I know that you can never have too much gratitude.
The grateful jar consists of a large jar (I used a tall iris flower vase with a beautiful black and white bow.) Each morning I take 3 small pieces of paper (I use sticky notes) jotting down one thing that I am grateful for from the previous day.
My sticky notes document the daily blessings that I’m certainly aware of, but have gone unnoticed in my hurriedness. I fill my vase with wonderful memories that I would like to remember, funny moments that made me laugh, beauty in nature that I notice on my walks, maybe an accomplishment, a small success, a note from a friend, or a treasured surprise.
Now, granted I’ve only been at this for a week but I found amazing results.
First of all I find myself looking for things to be grateful for during the day. This has put me in a positive frame of mind looking for the “good”, building positivity.
Secondly, when I put my head on my pillow at night I reflect on the day pondering on what 3 blessings I will write down the next morning. I fall asleep while my subconscious is focused on all the wonderful things that have filled my last 24 hours.
Lastly, my tall vase sitting on my desk is a constant visual reminder of the abundance in which I live. I look at all those little sticky notes and pray, “Thanks, Lord, for the last 24 blessed hours.”
On Dec. 31st, 2015 as the year closes, I will sit down reminiscing the past 12 months actually counting my blessings. How can I not find happiness with a jar full of evidence?
Remember the order. Don’t waste your precious time looking for happiness. Gratitude is a direct flight!
How about you? Are you in with the gratitude jar?