A few months ago, I wrote about my “happy box.” I got a lot of comments about it and so I wanted to go into some more detail here. Basically, I put things in my happy box that make me happy. When I get depressed or down, I pull it out and leaf through it for inspiration and a lift. In doing this, I’m also inspired by The Happiness Project and wanted to share something that contributes to my happiness. I hope that I inspire you to find some of your own happiness. Feel free to borrow my idea - but remember that what makes me happy is going to be different than what makes you happy.
First, you’ll need a box. I used an old photo box until it was too small. This is what I’ve been using for the past few months:
I have a variety of “stuff” in my happy box. Since I’m a knitter, I have a swatch and photo of my first sweater…
I also thought it was important to put my favorite book in my happy box….
It’s by Eva Ibbotson. True, it’s sappy. But it makes me happy, and that’s the point of my happy box. I also have some more sentimental stuff in there - like letters and notes from my parents and family (that say more than just “we miss you.” - things like “we’re proud of you…”)….
I also have notes and cards from my residents from when I was an RA. I have a few from my current RAs that I supervise - and after they get taken off my refridgerator, I’ll put them in this box too….
I also have a note of encouragement from my grandpa (who is no longer with us)… I’d forgotten I had this and when I found it last spring, I cried as I read it….
Of course, I also have plenty of photos - of family, my awesome summer working at the yarn store (click the photo to see tags of who is who and stories behind them….)
And finally… I like to have things that make me laugh. Like this article for example…
It’s an article about a bunch of old women who tried to register for the army and staged a protest when the army wouldn’t accept them. It’s full of humor, wisdom and the best things in life. It makes me smile.
That’s a collection of some of the stuff in my happy box. What would you have in your happy box?
What a great idea! I’ll definitely have to borrow that. I’m sure it’ll work much better than my current doldrum lifter (sticking my face in a giant bowl of popcorn).
since I’m new to your blog it’s the first time I’m reading about your happy box… here it goes: some pictures, of course, movie tickets of some loved films or loved company in the cinema, some little stones I picked while I made some special walks, some candies (to put a sweet taste while seeing all those things)…
that is a brilliant idea!
That’s a great idea! I have all these happy bits scattered around (that I’m sure I’ll lose if I don’t organize them, and I forget they’re around sometimes). Let’s see… I’d put in some wine corks from various special events, pictures of family and friends, various movie versions of Pride & Prejudice, a couple of notes I’ve gotten from my Dad over the years, a drawing or two from my niece, etc.
I have a happiness box, too! It’s a wonderful thing to have, especially when the blues strike. My happiness box always leads me into a chain of happy memories that boost my mood. Plus it’s a fun, creative exercise to figure out what belongs in there.
That’s a neat idea. Not sure what would go in mine. A book for sure. The problem would be selecting just ONE! One of my swatches probably. And something that I like to touch. Things that are soft and fuzzy make me happy.
great idea! hmmm i will have to think on what I would put is my happiness box, first I need to find a box I love… maybe my first lace swatch
Nicole,
I love that I stumbled across your updated blog today. As a college professor, I knew that you life must be busy right now - I know that mine has been insane.
A dear friend and mentor of mine passed away this past year and I often think of her when in the classroom hearing myself say the things she taught me and sitting in my office after a class that did not work. She taught me to keep a “Sunshine Folder” close at hand at home and on campus, anywhere I deal with teaching, grading essays, planning, etc. In this folder I place comments from students that show me that I am doing what I was called to do, pieces of student writing that shows that students are as awsome and smart as I think they are, and other things that make me feel good as a teacher. This is a very good thing. This sets things right again.
I like the idea of your box; it is perfect for your dorm life at school. What I have done, since those days of college, is treat my home like a happy box. Everywhere I look in my home are those things, pictures, words, etc., that make me happy. There is a small wooden box by my bed that holds those near and dear personal things that are for my eyes only and a special place on my home office bulletin board where I keep the hundreds of love post-its my husband has left for me even before we were an “item”.
Thank you for sharing! ~Kelly