A few weeks ago I finished the scrapbook for Happiness Box 2018. It took me 10 months to complete and I’m proud of it.
When I first opened Happiness Box 2017, dad asked me if I was going to throw away all of the contents. He had the trash bag ready (dad is a minimalist) and I said, “NO! I’m going to scrapbook all of this. I want to look back on this for years to come.” Thus, scrapbooking the contents were born (I still have to scrap the Happiness Jar 2016… the jar didn’t hold a whole year, so I made vacation albums and the pieces I have for that are minimal, maybe I’ll scrap that until it’s time to open 2019’s Box).
I’ve made spaces on my shelves for these albums and it’s gratifying to go back and look at all of my blessings from the previous years. I think it is all precious. I’ve been listening to a lot of TED talks lately and one morning YouTube decided to “show” me this video. 365 days of gratitude – sounds a lot like my Happiness Box Project. Although she does not wait until the new year to look at all her blessings like I do with my Happiness Box, our projects are similar AND it has helped us both tremendously. I found her story inspiring and I hope some day that my project will inspire others too.
I would like to share the pictures I took of Happiness Box 2018 scrapbook.
In 44 more days, I’ll get to open and then scrap Happiness Box 2019. As I look at the current box, my anticipation is growing. While I’m not trying to rush and wish away the year and the 2010s decade, I am excited to open Happiness Box 2019 and reflect!
The Happiness Box Project 
Hi, Jessica Marie!
Hailey truly is an inspiration, just like her friend stated. I can see the parallels between her 365 Grateful Project and your Happiness Box and scrapbooking. Hailey’s account of how she awoke to discover so many joys in life, the simple things all around her, matches my experience and, I believe, yours. It doesn’t take much to delight me, and therefore I spend my days with a sense of wonder, excitement and anticipation. I think you are in the same situation, experiencing a life of abundance. I pity those who say they are bored. How can that be possible with so much in this world to see, hear, do and learn? “The secret to happiness is reflection and gratitude.” You are putting that philosophy into practice every day of the year.
Yessum, this is a time of reflection as the year 2019 winds to a close. Tonight I am also reflecting upon my years as a 60-something because, three hours from now, I turn age 70 and begin a new chapter. I am determined to stay fit and sharp and to keep learning, sharing and caring.
Thank you for posting another mind opening TED Talk, dear friend JM, and enjoy the rest of your week!
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