Home Mindful Living How to make your own Happiness Toolkit

How to make your own Happiness Toolkit

by Vidya Sury August 1, 2016 35 comments
how to make your own happiness toolkit vidya sury

Happiness is my favorite DIY project.

I believe we have the power to make ourselves happy. I have my own ongoing happiness project in the form of this jar – which I started with my family years ago. We fill it with notes where we write down things that make us happy – and enjoy reading the notes every once in a while. Oh, watching that jar fill up is a joy all its own.

happiness jar vidya sury

Today, I am sharing a fantastic happiness toolkit idea. Make it for yourself, or put one together for a friend as a gift.

The unique thing about this toolkit is the symbolism attached to each item. The items themselves are pretty simple, things we have around our house. Each item has a metaphorical meaning attached to it, while being useful and serves as a wonderful reminder of happiness in the hectic and crazy world we live in!

So let us start gathering happiness in a bag, shall we?

Here are 21 items to put in your happiness toolkit

1. A rubber band

To remind you not to stretch yourself too thin. Have the courage to say NO without feeling guilty. Set boundaries. Elastic is similar to stress: we need to stretch to thrive, but not too much or we’ll snap!

2. Crayons

To add color to your world. Don’t view things only in black and white.

3. A stress ball

To nudge you to be resilient, soft and flexible, just like the stress ball that bounces back, floats, and keeps its shape no matter what.

4. A kaleidoscope

To remind you to embrace change. A kaleidoscope is constantly changing, transforming  into different beautiful designs.

5. A toy fire fighter

To remind you to avoid being the one that starts the fires in your relationships; instead, put them out. When you see a fire, you have the power to stop it.

6. A pencil

To remind you that you can write your own destiny with a happy ending. You have the power to steer your story in the direction you want.

7. An eraser

To tell you that it is okay to make mistakes and it is okay to be imperfect. You just have to be human, not perfect. Don’t feel the pressure to be right.

8. Bubbles

To remind you that play is important to be you sane and feeling light. You don’t have to be a child to play! Blow some bubbles and enjoy the joy!

9. A deck of cards

No matter what cards life deals you, it is how you play your hand. Like people, we need all kinds of cards in the game of life. Sometimes the lowest card is the best; point is, we need all 52. Feel free to add just your favorite card in your happiness toolkit rather than all 52.

10. A magnifying glass

To help you view your thoughts, differentiating between irrational and negative thoughts, and eliminate negative thinking.

11. Hershey Kisses

Keep one for yourself, because self love comes first. Give away the rest in gratitude. I like to add some hugs too!

12. Paper Clips

To remind you to keep positive people in your life.

13. Dice

To remind you that life is uncertain and full of chances. You can’t control the number you will get; you can only roll with it and play!

14. Timer

To remind you to set aside time to relax, take a mental vacation, or assign a pocket of time to worry rather than carry it with you throughout the day.

15. A bouncing ball

To remind you that you can bounce back from just about anything so long as you have a positive attitude and keep an open mind, learning you’re your experiences.

16. Finger trap

To remind you that you could get caught in the trap if you focus on proving yourself right just to win over someone. Instead, seek a win-win outcome. Avoid conflict.

17. A flexible figure

To remind you that happiness is being flexible and open to change and growth.

Don’t be rigid.

18. Some marbles

When you feel as though you’re losing your marbles, grab these to hang in there.

19. A toy Soldier

To remind you to be strong and smile even when life throws you those zingers. Stand tall, fight for what you believe in.

20. Sticky Notes

Carry reminders and affirmations to stay focused on your goals and remember to be positive.

21. Love

Yes, sprinkle the contents of your happiness toolkit generously with love. Self-love is good too!

There you go! Use the toolkit to make happiness a habit!

What other objects can you think of? What do they signify for you?

Do you have a happiness toolkit?

Do share in the comments.

This post is inspired by Belmont Wellness’s newsletter which I enjoy tremendously. You should check out Judith’s book The Swiss Cheese Theory of Life.

reflections from me
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35 comments

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35 comments

Mina Joshi August 2, 2016 at 3:31 am

Namaste Vidyaji. As life goes on sometimes, we forget to be happy, smile or think of the positive things in life. I do like your idea of having happiness kit. I will be thinking about what I would like in mine!! Hershey kisses sounds nice as chocolate always makes me happy.
Mina Joshi recently posted…Saffron flavoured mango jam

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:16 pm

Thank you Mina! Chocolate, yes. I would love to know what you put in your happiness kit!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried Treasure

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Richard Ross August 2, 2016 at 6:05 am

This is so fascinating and so elemental. Thanks. I going to get my toolkit going.

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:17 pm

Yay! Richard. Do let me know what you put in it!
Vidya Sury recently posted…When it comes to blessings

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upasna August 2, 2016 at 1:22 pm

A very practical toolkit. Great idea Mam. Bubbles always fill me up with joy and help me relieve all the stress.
upasna recently posted…Ma, even I was the Victim #Fiction

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:18 pm

Bubbles are so much fun! Even today, when I mix soap to handwash clothes, I can’t help making some! Thank you Upasna!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Why health insurance is more than a tax saving tool

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Suzie Cheel August 2, 2016 at 2:52 pm

Love this Vidya what a wonderful creative toolkit xxoo

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:19 pm

Thank you so much Suzie! What would you add in yours? ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…The brew that sees me through #CBF16

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Suzie Cheel August 11, 2016 at 5:07 pm

I watercolor pad and a small tin of watercolours 🙂

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Vidya Sury August 11, 2016 at 5:48 pm

I guessed it! 🙂 You paint so beautifully!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried Treasure

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pranita deshpande August 2, 2016 at 3:27 pm

Very nice idea of happiness jar. It’s very nice post, it will create best enjoyment in everyone’s life.

Mam please give me your email id.

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:19 pm

Thank you Pranita! My email is vidya at vidyasury.com 🙂
Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried Treasure

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Evelyn Lim August 2, 2016 at 4:49 pm

It will be great to have my crystals and healing stones with me 🙂

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Vidya Sury August 2, 2016 at 6:21 pm

Just the idea of the toolkit is so much fun, Evelyn. I think it helps to focus on being mindful and happy! Thank you. Crystals and healing stones sound wonderful!
Vidya Sury recently posted…How to make your own Happiness Toolkit

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Tara August 2, 2016 at 7:07 pm

I love the note jar especially! Gives a visual of all the things to be happy about and grateful for!

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:20 pm

I remember how my son would love to count the number of notes in it, Tara! Those days we also used colored slips of paper and it looked pretty 🙂 Thank you!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried Treasure

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Ellen bard August 3, 2016 at 7:51 am

This is such a fun and wonderful post Vidya! I love your creativity and the joy that just bubbles through it <3
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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:21 pm

Thank you Ellen! Hugs! ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…A trust built over the years

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Birgit August 3, 2016 at 9:30 am

Your note jar is such a great idea that some negative people should really try to do. I have to add a little stuffed animal so you can hug the stuffing out of it when you need to give a cuddle or get one from something soft…pretending is wonderful
Birgit recently posted…a whole bunch of cards!

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:22 pm

Cuddly toys are great! I have quite a few, Birgit. And I have one toy that my Mom bought when I was a few months old. I used to bathe her every day and pretend she did everything I did. I have her sitting on my coffee jar in my kitchen shelf. 🙂 Hugs! ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried Treasure

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Andapo Girl August 3, 2016 at 3:18 pm

This is simpily beautiful(: just a lovely read this was(: … will share this with all people
Andapo Girl recently posted…Homemade Body Scrubs That Works Amazingly

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:22 pm

Thank you! ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried Treasure

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Sandra Pawula August 3, 2016 at 11:16 pm

What a lovely idea, Vidya. I don’t have a happiness kit or even a jar! Starting with the jar would be a good place for me. Thanks for these fun ideas.

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:23 pm

The jar is so easy Sandra! I have gifted them to many kids and they really enjoy it. Hugs! ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried Treasure

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Darla M Sands August 4, 2016 at 5:39 am

Just be sure not to kill your grass lawn with the bubbles. ~grin~ My mother, especially, and father have taught me much about taking joy in life. And he forgave her for killing some spots in the back yard in my youth.

Be well!
Darla M Sands recently posted…Tilly Before and After – A Feline Transformation

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:25 pm

Whoaa I didn’t know bubbles killed grass Darla! Thank you! Hehe. I play with them on my balcony where there are no plants. Your Mom and Dad sound wonderful. Hugs and thank you so much for coming by!
Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried Treasure

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Zeenat Merchant Syal August 5, 2016 at 9:46 am

OMG Vidya! I SO love how happy and full of DIY ideas this post it 🙂 I love DIY projects…so first I love the Jar idea…and then I’ll work myself to all of them.
Here ye here ye to the more happy me 😉
xoxo,
Z~

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:26 pm

Hehehe. How nice to see you here Zeenat! Are you thinking of making one for Haaniya? ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…Buried Treasure

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roohibhatnagar August 5, 2016 at 1:58 pm

One thing is to visit your blog regularly 🙂 Everytime I do, I feel happy.. And yes, I am doing the Jar thing from now on in my family.. You are one amazing person!

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Vidya Sury August 10, 2016 at 10:27 pm

Dearest Roohi! I know you must be super-busy with your little ones! 🙂 Hugs! Would love to see your Happiness Jar. Do share a photo on whatsapp! ♥
Vidya Sury recently posted…When it comes to blessings

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Sri Kri August 11, 2016 at 10:33 am

Wow.Lovely Happiness toolkit.Would love to meet you in person.You are such a lovely person who passes the positive vibes.Thanks for the ideas.:)

Cheers,
Sriram & Krithiga
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Vidya Sury August 11, 2016 at 11:17 am

Thank you! You are so kind. You are welcome home any time!

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Mackenzie Glanville August 14, 2016 at 6:30 am

This is such an incurably positive idea, I love this! I have never heard of anything like this, and actually think my 12 year old would love this too. Thank you so much for sharing with me at #mg and fro making the world a more beautiful place xoxo

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Asha August 26, 2016 at 10:03 pm

That’s a creative list indeed !
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Vidya Sury August 28, 2016 at 7:21 pm

Thank you, dear Asha! What would you put in yours? 🙂
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