Box of Happy Experiences by Gabrielle McLean

Box of Happy Experiences - With the chaos of everyday life it can be tricky to remember all the little things that matter. Additionally, a poor moment may unfortunately make an okay day seem terrible. With this activity, you will be able to look back on all the good moments. Depending on the size of your box and how often you write a note, you may look back once a month or once a year. Remember to appreciate all the good things. It can be tricky to see the bright side, and that is okay. The goal of this project is to find even the smallest of happy moments. 

Materials:

Shoe Box, Tissue Box, Cardboard Box, or Large Container

Paper

Ruler

Pencil

Acrylic paint and Paintbrushes or Paper, Photos, and/or Magazine Cut-outs, Scissors, and Glue

Cup or Container (for paint water)

Paper Towels, Napkins, or Tissues (to wipe paint brushes)

Newspapers, Plastic Tablecloth, or Scrap Paper (to protect your surface)

Optional - Ribbon, Rhinestones, Glitter, Fake Flowers, Beads, etc.

Instructions: 

Step one: Get all your materials.

Step two: If you use a tissue box, you may want to cut out the plastic. Any other boxes or containers with similar excess plastic or parts can be removed, too.

Step three: If you choose to paint your box, set up scrap paper, newspapers, or a plastic tablecloth to protect your surface. 

Step four: If you choose to use paper, photos, and/or magazine cut-outs, lay out your materials to see how you best like the box. Measure your box to make sure the paper will fit! Then, glue your paper to the box. If after you glue down paper you decide to add some paint, feel free to do so, but make sure the glue is dry! It may be easier to paint your paper first, let it dry, then glue it to the box. Do what feels comfortable for you.

Step five: To make this box your own, decorate it even more! If you have items like ribbon, yarn, stickers, glitter, etc. you can add those to your box, as well. Keep in mind the shape and weight of the object when deciding on whether to use glue, hot glue, or tape.

Step six: Use scissors to cut strips of paper or pieces of paper in any shape you like! Make sure your pieces of paper fit in your box and are large enough that you can write. When something that makes you happy occurs write it down and place it in your box with the date. Some examples of what to write may include if you call a friend or family member you have not talked to in a while, if someone holds the door open for you, if a food you like is on sale, if you have time to watch your favorite television show, or if you have some time to do an activity you enjoy like painting, reading, or playing an instrument. If you like to draw, feel free to accompany your text with a doodle, sketch, or even a small drawing or painting, depending on the size of your paper and box. 

Step seven: Keep your box on a desk, dresser, or other piece of furniture.