The New Year is officially underway, and the first month of the new year is already coming to an end. If a New Year’s resolution was made on January 1st, there is an 80% chance that it will be abandoned by now.
If you’re in the 50% of the population that doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions, then you have no worries…nothing ventured, nothing lost.
If you’re in the 50% group that does makes New Year’s resolutions, and you’re still on track, that’s great. If you’re in that 80% though, that’s abandoned those resolutions, I’d like to offer you something else to try.
I didn’t come up with this idea myself; I actually read about this idea from a friend that had struggled through last year, and needed some positive motivation. I call it the gratefully good jar.
Keep Track of the Good
First, find a jar with a lid. An old mason jar will work. If you don’t have one of those sitting around, an old mayonnaise or pickle jar washed out will work just as well.
You can even decorate the outside of the jar to make it more colorful, or to personalize it if you wish.
Next, gather some colorful paper or note cards. Keep them stacked up next to the jar, and ready to write on.
Now, whenever you’re having a good day, or something good happens, write it down on one of the note cards and drop it in the jar.
You can do this whenever those good feelings hit. It’s suggested that you write down at least one positive thing a week, but you can create your own time to do this. Some may like to write something down daily that they are grateful for. Sometimes you may have a week where it feels that nothing goes right, and you may struggle to come up with even one thing to write down.
Simply make a note whenever something particularly positive happens, or whenever you’re feeling particular grateful. You can note something that made you laugh, or something simple you saw in nature, such as the first flowers you see in Spring.
If you come across a particular motivational or inspirational quote that you like, write it down as well, and place it in the jar. This is your jar, and your good feelings, so do whatever is right for you.
Enjoy the Good
It will be a good feeling writing down all those positive instances, thoughts, and quotes. It will also be a good feeling to read all those positive instances, thoughts, and quotes.
Whenever you’re feeling down, reach in the jar and bring back one of those positive memories. If you’re having a bad week where you can’t find anything to write down, reach in, grab a positive memory and read; it will help you remember that there is good in this world, and that there is good in your life.
This is so much more fun than making resolutions that can be difficult, if not impossible to keep.
For most, these positive memories will put a smile on your face, and that alone will help you feel better.
“Believe there is good in the world.” ~ Gautama Buddha
Read that positive memory, and then tuck it back in the jar. And come December 31st of this year, look at your jar full of colorful paper, happy memories and grateful thoughts.
Take all those pieces of paper and read all the good that has happened over the year. This will help you remember that life is colorful, and there is good all around us, if we just know where to look.
May all who read this have a wonderful, gratefully good year!
