The first Thankful Thursday in a new year and a new decade! Here’s to starting the year off right, so that way I can start the Roaring 20’s 2.0 off right. The 2010s were challenging, but this decade is going to be amazing!
Without rhyme or reason, Instagram deleted my Happiness Box Project Instagram account. They claimed I violated TOS, but I don’t really know how I could have. To appeal, I had to handwrite a code that Facebook/Instagram sent me along with my full name and username. I had to take a photo of me holding this sign with both hands and my face showing, then e-mail the photo to the company. I did this a few hours ago and so far, nothing. How bizarre. I deleted Facebook two years ago and I’m thinking I might delete Instagram too. How can a company delete an account without explaining how the account violates the TOS? I’m a happiness, kindness, joy, and personal growth page for crying out loud! I had a Canadian Lyft driver today and we were chatting about this. He said, “Americans hate happiness and that’s why your account was deleted. Next you’ll be arrested for spreading kindness.” We had a good laugh.
Christina also reached out and we had a good laugh too. I guess opening my Happiness Box was an act of subversion. Getting tattoos, piercings, spending time with friends, family and different communities, that must be something egregious on my part. Obviously, Christina chuckled. Hey, I’m grateful for the laughs.
Yesterday I saw the Connors and it was so nice to catch up. I spent an hour with them and I told them that I would visit this weekend. I am thankful for them and I am thankful for friends and family too.
Also, Sarah sent me this sweet gift today. I am grateful for Sarah, Teddy, and their mom, Bernadine. I want to visit London to see my cousin; they’re in Manchester, about four hours away, and Bernadine told me that when I’m ready to visit, let her know. After I pay off some things, I want to do that.
Oh! My former co-worker gave me a lotto ticket for the holidays, but I put her card straight into my Happiness Box and when I opened it yesterday, I scratched it and won a free ticket. Dad picked up my new ticket this morning and when I got home today from the library, same thing. I walked to the local mart and passed the co-worker’s house. She was out with her grandsons, I thanked her and we caught up for 15 minutes. I went to the mart, picked up a new ticket, scratched it there and won $2. What a lucky start to the year and it was really kind of my former co-worker to do that.
What are you thankful for?
The Happiness Box Project 
Happy New Year!
Thankful for my family, both near and far, genetically-linked and otherwise.
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Happy New Year Jessica!!!
I love your thankful Thursday posts and they remind me to reflect on my blessings too.
That is so weird that your insta was deleted without explanation. I have noticed that Facebook and insta have been weird and particular about accounts for the oddest reasons. It is funny what your driver said. Yes, I guess we are revolutionaries for spreading joy and working towards happiness. It is so bizarre considering the types of photos they allow people to post on there.
I currently do have instagram and fb, but there have been a few times that I deleted my social media. The first one was when I started this blog and it was nice to have the time to focus on this rather than the social media. The 2nd time was back in 2015 when I went back to college. I was studying computer science and knew that if I had social media I would never get anything done. It probably is still true and I think of taking a break every now and then, but I hang on because it is how I keep in touch with my friends and the world outside of my bubble. Lol.
Today I am thankful for my health, this brand new year, this blog, and the people in my life including you! Have a wonderful week and keep on spreading joy!
❤ Alana
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Happy New Year to you too, Alana!
I’m up in the air about deleting my personal Instagram. I keep in touch with some foreign friends via Insta and that replaced Facebook. However, many know my address and phone. 😄
It’s just extremely odd. The whole process of getting it back is odd too. Of all the things others post, maybe I should create a misery box. LOL! Kidding. I’m quite happy with my project.
Have a wonderful 2020! It’ll be a year full of all things joy.
❤️ Jessica
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Thank you 🙂
I can definitely relate because it is kind of a fun timeline and I use social media as a photo album.
Your misery box joke made me laugh. Probably more relatable these days, which is sad.
Here’s to this wonderful new decade!
❤ 🙂
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While I don’t always have joyful days, usually there are gems in those days where I’m grateful for something. Those are magical moments and one reason why I’m really happy about this project. It’s human to experience all emotions and we are truly not alone.
That’s true! I saved all of my photos from when I deleted FB. I’m about to take out my USB port and look at photos from the beginning of 2010, reflect on that decade.
Yes! Roaring 20s 2.0 will be amazing ! ❤️😄
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Yes, that is so true. Those lows help us appreciate the good times and they shape us into who we are. I really admire your outlook!
Enjoy those memories and continue celebrating your progress! I am planning on looking through old photos too.
I am excited about the roaring 20’s 2.0 Love it! 🙂
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Hi, Jessica Marie!
I’m sorry about what happened to your HBP Instagram account, especially w/o explanation. If ultimately you are unable to get it reinstated, then I wouldn’t view it as a tremendous loss. Perhaps the universe is reminding you not to be a slave to social media. I’m glad you were on the receiving end of gifts from friends and that you started the year off two dollars richer because you bought a lucky lotto ticket.
Happy TT to you, dear friend JM!
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Hi Tom,
That’s what I was thinking. I deleted Facebook in 2018 and couldn’t be happier. Instagram is now owned by FB and I was thinking of getting rid of it. I might only keep a blog and email address. Also, articles!
Have a great TT!
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