Here’s an easy way to add positivity to your New Year! It will only require a few things: an empty glass jar, paper and a pen. Get the whole family involved in this Gratitude Jar activity, and watch your family’s overall happiness improve throughout the year.
Motivation Monday #3 – The Gratitude Jar Challenge
I’m reviving this post because it fits so nicely into our Motivation Monday series! It’s one of my family’s favorite activities three years and counting!
How a Gratitude Jar Can Bring More Happiness to Your Life
Beginning January 1st, document positive things that happen throughout the year on a small piece of paper and place it in the gratitude jar. You may choose to do a daily positive note, or a weekly list of positive things. If you didn’t start your gratitude jar on January 1st, don’t sweat it….just pick up the new habit now and finish out the year strong.
Gratitude Jar Ideas can be:
- Accomplished Goals
- LOL Moments
- Memories worth treasuring
- Blessings – big or small
On December 31st gather the family together, open the jar and read all of the amazing things that happened throughout the year. It’s such a treat to reminisce about old (positive) memories that were possibly forgotten. Who wouldn’t want to remember the best moments of the year?
So many times we focus on the negative things in life, but this activity will give you inspiration to remember the good things. Our family of four collectively completes the gratitude challenge each Friday evening during dinner. It’s a really nice way to end the week.
Looking for other Motivation Monday posts? Check out post 1 on Changing Expectations and post 2 on Finding Happiness.
Are you ready for the gratitude challenge?
Share your thoughts below on this week’s Motivation Monday chat. Let’s discuss it as a community. Tell me what you need help with – you may just see it in next week’s series!
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Helen Wagner says
Wow! Just love this idea! Going to start one right now! We often forget to be thankful for the good on our lives!
Tracie Cooper says
I love this idea and plan to share with my sisters to do with their kiddos.
shelly peterson says
I love this idea. It would be great to read back on everything at the end of the year.
Joy Venters says
IT IS SO EASYTO GET ANGRY WITH SOMEONE OVER SOMETHING BUT YHIS IS THE TIME WHEN THE JAR IS MOST HELPFUL – VERY GOOD IDEA
Anita L says
Unfortunately too often we do tend to remember negative things, but what a wonderful way to remember the good! It would make for a nice family night together to go through all the nice things that were written 🙂
Janet W. says
I really like this idea! It will be so nice to look back at everything you put in the jar!
Jennifer @ Mom Spotted says
Love this! What a cute idea!
Emilie says
Great idea! Sometimes we can all use little reminders like these.
Jeana O'donnell-Murphy says
This is refreshing. A gratitude journal also helps… Even if you are down and don’t think you have anything to write down- you could write that you are thankful for running water.
Jennifer H says
Absolutely! I love the way you think Jeana!
Debra @ A Frugal Friend says
Pinned! So cute!
Jennifer H says
Thank you Debra!
Steph says
Love this idea!
Fabgrandma says
This is such a great idea, and can be inspiring and eye=opening at the same time. We tend to lose track of the good things and dwell on the bad, and this way we can look back and see how much we are really blessed.
Jennifer H says
Exactly!! 🙂
Tonya Prater (@travelermom) says
I’d planned to do this for 2013. Good thing it’s a new year! Maybe I can actually follow through this time.
Jennifer H says
haha Good luck Tonya!
Elaina says
I love this idea!
chelle2013 says
What a beautiful and sweet idea! I am notorious for over looking the moments we need to cherish because I’m in such a rush to get moving.
Jennifer H says
Hope you get to try the Gratitude Jar then so you can remember them all! 🙂
HilLesha says
I love this idea!
Maryann says
I love the idea, but I’m so stressed right now I can’t take it on.
Jennifer H says
hmm sounds like just what you need Maryann!
Tami says
I love this idea! This is actually one of my resolutions, to focus on the positive…I think I will definitely give this activity a go. Thank you.
Happy New Year!
Jennifer H says
Good luck & Happy New Year to you as well Tami!
Singapore Mum Blog says
Collect moments not things!! excellent quote!
Dianna @ Oy Vey a Day says
This sounds like a great idea. I am going to go search for a jar right now – I’m sure I must have one in the house somewhere.
Jennifer H says
Good luck on your 2014 gratitude journey!
LuAnn Braley says
Excellent idea! Count me in!
Jennifer H says
Awesome! Bring on the positivity! 🙂
Liz (@blueviolet) says
I make little prayers of thankfulness for things throughout the day, but I like this idea of writing it down. It helps train our brains to think that way!
Jennifer H says
Definitely Liz. 🙂
Amy T says
Great idea!
LyndaS says
That’s a sweet idea. I love the caption on that photo. Things can be destroyed, but memories will survive.
Jennifer H says
Yes, exactly! Happy New Year lynda. 🙂