Happiness is my favorite DIY project.
I believe we have the power to make ourselves happy. I have my own ongoing happiness project in the form of this jar - which I started with my family years ago. We fill it with notes where we write down things that make us happy - and enjoy reading the notes every once in a while. Oh, watching that jar fill up is a joy all its own.
Today, I am sharing a fantastic happiness toolkit idea. Make it for yourself, or put one together for a friend as a gift.
The unique thing about this toolkit is the symbolism attached to each item. The items themselves are pretty simple, things we have around our house. Each item has a metaphorical meaning attached to it, while being useful and serves as a wonderful reminder of happiness in the hectic and crazy world we live in!
So let us start gathering happiness in a bag, shall we?
Here is what you put in your happiness toolkit
A rubber band
To remind you not to stretch yourself too thin. Have the courage to say NO without feeling guilty. Set boundaries. Elastic is similar to stress: we need to stretch to thrive, but not too much or we'll snap!
Crayons
To add color to your world. Don't view things only in black and white.
A stress ball
To nudge you to be resilient, soft and flexible, just like the stress ball that bounces back, floats, and keeps its shape no matter what.
A kaleidoscope
To remind you to embrace change. A kaleidoscope is constantly changing, transforming into different beautiful designs.
A toy fire fighter
To remind you to avoid being the one that starts the fires in your relationships; instead, put them out. When you see a fire, you have the power to stop it.
A pencil
To remind you that you can write your own destiny with a happy ending. You have the power to steer your story in the direction you want.
An eraser
To tell you that it is okay to make mistakes and it is okay to be imperfect. You just have to be human, not perfect. Don't feel the pressure to be right.
Bubbles
To remind you that play is important to be you sane and feeling light. You don't have to be a child to play! Blow some bubbles and enjoy the joy!
A deck of cards
No matter what cards life deals you, it is how you play your hand. Like people, we need all kinds of cards in the game of life. Sometimes the lowest card is the best; point is, we need all 52. Feel free to add just your favorite card in your happiness toolkit rather than all 52.
A magnifying glass
To help you view your thoughts, differentiating between irrational and negative thoughts, and eliminate negative thinking.
Hershey Kisses
Keep one for yourself, because self love comes first. Give away the rest in gratitude. I like to add some hugs too!
Paper Clips
To remind you to keep positive people in your life.
Dice
To remind you that life is uncertain and full of chances. You can't control the number you will get; you can only roll with it and play!
Timer
To remind you to set aside time to relax, take a mental vacation, or assign a pocket of time to worry rather than carry it with you throughout the day.
A bouncing ball
To remind you that you can bounce back from just about anything so long as you have a positive attitude and keep an open mind, learning you're your experiences.
Finger trap
To remind you that you could get caught in the trap if you focus on proving yourself right just to win over someone. Instead, seek a win-win outcome. Avoid conflict.
A flexible figure
To remind you that happiness is being flexible and open to change and growth.
Don't be rigid.
Some marbles
When you feel as though you're losing your marbles, grab these to hang in there.
A toy Soldier
To remind you to be strong and smile even when life throws you those zingers. Stand tall, fight for what you believe in.
Sticky Notes
Carry reminders and affirmations to stay focused on your goals and remember to be positive.
What other objects can you think of? What do they signify? Do you have a happiness toolkit? Do share in the comments.♥
This post is inspired by Belmont Wellness's newsletter which I enjoy tremendously. You should check out Judith's book The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life.
Writer, editor, blogger, social media enthusiast. Love DIY, Coffee, Music, Reading, Photography, Family, Friends and Life. Mantra: Happiness is a DIY Project. In my free time I play with my dust bunnies and show my diabetes who's boss. Tweet as @vidyasury
