As the year draws to a close I’m remembering the buzz a few years ago about Elizabeth Gilbert‘s Happiness Jars, an idea she made for herself and others to be healthier and create self-awareness about even the tiniest of blessings in our lives.  

For 2023 I’d like to get in the habit of writing what I’m grateful for, from the slightest good on a bad day to the best on a good one.

I set aside a pretty glass jar.

Gratitude is a way of fostering positive emotions that could help us achieve greater health, build our inner strength to face adversity, and nurture stronger relationships. Sounds worth it, doesn’t it?    

“I don’t have to chase extraordinary moments to find happiness — it’s right in front of me if I’m paying attention and practicing gratitude.” — Brene Brown

I used to make New Year’s resolutions but by the time the second or third week of January rolled around they’d be forgotten. 

As I round the corner to my 64th birthday and my disability becomes more aggressive I want to start carving out more ME time. Focusing on gratitude sounds like the perfect way to get that started in the new year.

At the close of each year, there always seems to be chatter about choosing a single word to focus on the following year.  The word you choose will allegedly be your guide to focus on to reach whatever goals you set for yourself.

Happy. Achieve. Listen. Balance. Commitment. Strong. These were all popular choices in the past. I tried to think what my word would be.

One word. One word. One word.

As I thought about it I finally got frustrated and tired of the whole thing. So I tucked it away for the time being.

But soon after it dawned on me that the one-word idea was total rubbish, creating more anxiety than it was worth.  

Maybe using several words is a better idea. Let me explain below: 

One day I ran a few boring errands, like going to the DMV, the pharmacy, and the usual roundup of Target, Whole Foods, and Trader Joe’s.   

Despite feeling tired, I’m always mindful that I’m blessed with a husband who accompanies me. He drives us, carries the packages,  walks the outer aisles when my legs are weak, asks if I’m okay, makes sure of my safety, and never complains about the extra work he’s had to assume in recent years.   

I tore off a large piece of paper to write my first jar entry:

Errands with my husband and feeling very loved.

For 2023 I want to fill the Happiness Jar with phrases and ideas instead of one word. And if I miss a day, that’s okay. When you live with chronic illness or any adversity you don’t always have the energy or desire to think about the jar.

Elizabeth Gilbert’s jar is a way to be thankful for our lives, despite any rough patches. It should never cause negativity. Go easy on yourself if it’s been a rough day. You have enough going on. Tomorrow is another day.

Here are some of my FAILED WORDS from the past and how I’ve turned them on their ear. 

Feel free to tweak your own (or use mine) to suit your own needs:

Diet: It’s time to slim down by removing any toxicity and choosing healthy social and professional relationships.

Exercise: I vow to exercise my mind by reading the pile of books on my night table. I’ll stretch my brain by learning new skills and will incorporate holistic therapies to achieve inner and outer balance.

Faith: I’ll trust that things happen for a reason and that I’m in the exact place I’m supposed to be. I’ll trust that I’m doing the best I can within my abilities and will have faith that my best will always be good enough.

Courage: I’ll look at myself in the mirror without focusing on any wrinkles, extra pounds, and alopecia but instead see a mature woman using her adversities to thrive and do my best to help others do the same.  

Relax: I’ll unclench my jaw, learn to breathe (4-4-4), and live more fully in the moment. I’ll spend time listening and learning from others, relaxed in the knowledge that doing so is where the magic begins. I won’t take anything for granted. The past is the past, the future is an unknown, so let’s focus on today.

When we open our eyes each day that, in itself, is a wonderful gift.

I hope in 2023 YOU’LL be blessed with inner peace, light and love, and better health.

Thank you for being here in this space with me. I deeply appreciate having you by my side on this journey. Be safe and stay well. Namaste.