Do you know what defines a young person? It is not their age but their ability to wonder.
See miracles in the small things in life! It shows in your eyes.
Here is something you can do to light the spark in the eyes of those who have grown old at heart: make a Jar of Gratitude.
Being grateful is a way to learn to appreciate the wonder of life.
Pick any jar in your kitchen and decorate it to make is special. Use pressed flowers and leaves, cut out stars or other pretty patterns, and let it be your own creation.
Start writing gratitude notes on small papers and drop them in the jar.
What is a gratitude note?
It is a note on a small piece of paper where you express something for which you are thankful.
It can be a moment in the sun, a good laugh with a friend, a beautiful flower on the road, the shape of a cloud, your favorite dessert, or a smooth pebble in your pocket. Take the time to appreciate it, to smile and to say, “Thank you”. You can draw, write a poem, or scribble a few words on your paper.
Soon your family will be curious. What are you doing? Speak to them about gratitude and wonder.
Tell them that a lot of research has been done to show that being grateful increases your well-being. And invite them to drop their own gratitude notes in your jar whenever they wish.
Then observe! Look at their eyes when they drop the paper in the jar.
When do I read the notes in the jar?
Choose a special time to open the jar and read the notes. Wonderful memories will come. You can open it when someone is feeling a little low; invite this person to sit with you to read a few notes. It will bring a smile to their face.
Decorate
your jar by sticking paper on it or directly painting on it.
Give it a special name. Simple natural decorations give often of great
effect. Let your creativity guide you.
Place a pile of colorful papers, a box of colorful pens, sketch-pens and stickers right next to the jar. It will inspire you to write without having to look for material. You can also use wrapping paper that you cut into small square notes ready to be used. 10cm x 10cm is a good size.
Invite your parents to watch the TED talk by Louie Schwartzberg:
Nature. Beauty. Gratitude:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8lXYZ6s3Dfk.
Write to us:
- Share pictures of your Jar of Gratitude.
- Write about your experience.
- Send them to contributions@heartfulnessmagazine.com.
