The Joy Jar: A Simple DIY to Collect Happy Moments
Some moments are too good to forget: a spontaneous laugh with a friend, a cozy Sunday morning, an unexpected compliment, or a goal you finally reached. But in the hustle of everyday life, even our happiest memories can fade into the background.
Enter the Joy Jar: a simple, feel-good DIY that helps you capture those bright little moments and revisit them whenever you need a pick-me-up. It’s an easy and creative way to boost your happiness, and all it takes is a jar, a pen, and a few slips of paper.
What Is a Joy Jar?
A joy jar is exactly what it sounds like: a container where you collect joyful memories, moments of gratitude, kind words, or anything that makes you smile. Think of it as a happiness time capsule. Whenever something good happens (big or small), write it down and drop it in your jar. Then, whenever you’re feeling down, stressed, or just need a reminder of the good in your life, pull out a few notes and relive those happy times.
It’s not just a feel-good project; it’s backed by science. Studies show that reflecting on positive experiences can help increase happiness, build emotional resilience, and lower stress.
How to Make Your Own Joy Jar
This project is as simple or as crafty as you want it to be. Here's how to get started:
Find a Jar
Mason jars work great, but you can use anything: a recycled jam jar, a decorated coffee tin, or even a simple shoebox. The important thing is that it’s easy to access and makes you smile when you see it.Add a Personal Touch
Decorate your jar with stickers, labels, washi tape, or a handwritten note that says something like “Open for Joy” or “Read Me on a Rainy Day.” Make it personal to you, and let your creativity shine!Cut Some Paper Strips
Cut up some colorful paper, sticky notes, or even old magazine pages into strips you can write on. Keep a stack nearby, along with a pen, so it’s always easy to jot something down when the moment strikes.Start Writing
Think about things that made you laugh, feel proud, or just gave you a warm, fuzzy feeling. It could be as simple as "saw a double rainbow" or "had coffee with Mom." Write one moment per slip and drop it in.Build the Habit
Try adding a note every day, once a week, or whenever something joyful happens. There's no wrong way to do it!
Ideas for What to Include
Not sure where to start? Try writing down:
Compliments someone gave you
A quote that inspired you
A goal you accomplished
A cozy or fun memory
Something you’re grateful for
A photo, ticket stub, or drawing that reminds you of something joyful
When to Open Your Joy Jar
There’s no set rule, but here are some great times to revisit your jar:
On a tough day when you need a boost
On New Year’s Eve, to reflect on the past year
On your birthday, to celebrate another trip around the sun
Any random day when you need a little joy
Spread the Joy
Want to make it even more meaningful? Try these ideas:
Do it with a friend. Invite a friend or loved one to start their own joy jar alongside you. You can swap stories, share happy notes, or read through your jars together at the end of the year.
Get social. Snap a photo of your jar and share it on Instagram or with your community. Use it as a way to spread inspiration and encourage others to start capturing their own happy moments.
Make it a group activity: This also makes an excellent activity for families, classrooms, or even teams at work—any group that could use a little boost of positivity.
One Jar, So Many Smiles
The joy jar is a small act with a big impact. Whether you open it once a week or once a year, it becomes a time capsule of your happiest, most meaningful memories. And the more you add to it, the more you'll notice joy all around you.
Happiness isn't just something that happens to us; it's something we can create, collect, and celebrate. So grab a jar, collect your moments, and see how your joy grows. You might be surprised by how much happiness you already have waiting for you.
Happiness Posts is published by Darin M. Klemchuk founder of Klemchuk PLLC, an intellectual property law firm located in Dallas, Texas and co-founder of Engage Workspace for Lawyers, a coworking space for lawyers. He also publishes the Ideate (law) and Elevate (law firm culture) blogs. You can find more information about his law practice at his firm bio and also at his BioSite.
