A Simple Way To Start A Gratitude Habit

Would you like a simple way to start a gratitude habit? I created a gratitude jar a few years ago and would love to show you how to do it too!

The sound of giggling filled the kitchen. At first, it was quiet– tentative, like she wasn’t sure that much commotion was allowed. But with a smile from me, my 2-year old daughter’s face completely relaxed as she gave herself over to heaping cackles of joy.

She lifted her shirt, patted her belly and laughed some more. It was so cute. Her hands were covered in powdered sugar and I should have been irritated, but she was so pleased with herself?

Do you want to build a snowman, Mommy?

With that, we both erupted in peals of laughter. It was just what I needed. My week had been overwhelmingly bad:

  • a migraine on Tuesday;
  • a parking ticket on Thursday;
  • someone microwaved fish in the office kitchen on Friday. Barf.

The playfulness of my daughter reminded me that even in trying times, there are absolutely moments of pure joy… if you are open to seeing them.

 

start a gratitude habit

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Into every life a little rain must fall, but if you look for them, there are usually silver linings to those dark clouds.

Silver Linings.

Look on the bright side.

The glass is half full.

Sometimes it is easy to forget that there are usually many things we can be grateful for. It doesn’t feel like that when life gets heavy… and life gets heavy a lot.

The weight of being an adult can feel oppressive.

start a gratitude habit

However, I would like to suggest that cultivating a habit of gratitude is one of the best ways to get out of a funk, chip away at those feelings of overwhelm, or just get some of your verve back.

You can start a gratitude habit at any time. I like to re-start mine at the beginning of every year. It is a resolution I can totally get behind. However, honestly.. the habit is very infectious and I highly recommend trying it out whenever you feel stuck!

Starting a gratitude habit is really easy. If you want an option that you can take with you, I highly recommend this gratitude journal.

Another option is make a gratitude jar so that your entire family can get in on the action. I made one of these a few years ago and loved it so much I made two more for friends!

How to Make a Gratitude Jar

gratitude jar

So, how do you actually make a Gratitude Jar? Well, it turns out to be super easy! Let me tell you how.

What You Will Need:
Large Mason Jar
Chalk Marker- white
Black chalkboard sticker
Ribbon or lace to suit your taste
Scrapbook paper
Hot glue and hot glue gun
Craft glue (optional)

How to Make it:
1. Stick the chalkboard sticker on the front of the mason jar.
2. Use the white chalk marker to label the Gratitude Jar. I wrote ‘Be Thankful,’ but seriously.. it’s your project, do whatever you want! I also used the marker to draw ‘buttons’ on the corners of the sticker.
3. Unscrew the lid of the mason jar and trace the outline of the lid onto scrapbook paper that you like (I suppose you could also use fabric).
4. Glue the paper to the top of the mason jar lid, either using craft glue or the glue gun.
5. Wrap the ribbon or lace around the outside of the lid in order to measure it and cut a length that will not only wrap around once, but have enough to tie a bow.
6. Hot glue the ribbon to the outside of the lid. When both ends ‘meet,’ tie the ribbon or lace into a bow.
Gratitude Jar

If you are like me, you have a ton of unused scrapbook paper. I just took about 10 minutes and cut a bunch of it into strips to use for the gratitude entries. You can use any kind of paper you want. I just thought this would be pretty.

This project was so easy, I made two Gratitude Jars in less than 1/2 hour- one for me and I gifted one to a friend!

Make Your Gratitude Habit Intentional

This next step is critical if you want your new gratitude habit to stick. You have to make it intentional. Display your Gratitude Jar on the dining room table or coffee table. Next to the jar put all the slips of paper and a few pens in a pretty bowl.

Now, you are ready to just do it!

Taking the time to add to the jar doesn’t have to take a lot of time, maybe 5 minutes. If you can find time to update Facebook, this should be easy peasy. You don’t even need a WiFi connection!

At the end of the year, gather up the strips of pretty paper, the evidence of a life that is blessed, and read through them– remembering a year that despite both highs and lows, had much to be grateful for. Then, seal them in an envelope, label it with the year and include it in your Family Time Capsule. To me, this is a fantastic way to remember the past year!

Now the jar is empty and a new year has just begun. So, will find some more pretty paper to cut up and start filling the Gratitude Jar up again. After all:

This is the day that the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it.- Psalm 118:24

Thanks for reading and have a blessed year!
Sara

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