The genesis of the positivity jar
It started on a quiet New Year’s Eve. My family and I were gathered together watching the festivities on TV and enjoying our annual spread of appetizers. We were reflecting on the year that had passed. I asked everyone to share a few of their favorite memories. Some moments that made them smile, laugh, or feel proud.
To my surprise, my children struggled to recall the joyful parts. Instead, they spoke about the hard days, the challenges, and the disappointments. It struck me how naturally our minds hold onto the tough stuff, while the beautiful moments often slip quietly into the background.
I knew we needed a shift. We needed to purposely acknowledge the positive moments in each day.
So, I tried something simple.
Each week, we started writing down the little sparks of happiness and the everyday wins. We call them Mini Miracles.
Some were big: scoring a touchdown, performing on stage, attending a special event. Others were small but meaningful: a shared laugh, a sunny walk, a bowl of favorite ice cream. Whatever made us smile, we wrote it down on a small card and dropped it into a glass jar I found at Target. We kept the jar on my desk where everyone passed by it every day.
Each week, that jar began to fill with light.
Then, on the next New Year’s Eve, we opened it. One by one, we read through our notes. What unfolded was a beautiful timeline of joy and gratitude. It was a collection of reminders that even in a year that may have felt heavy at times, there had been so many bright moments worth remembering. We spent the next few hours reading through the cards, laughing, reminiscing, and focused on all the positivity of the year.
That jar became more than just a family project. It became a tradition. A source of healing. A practice in noticing the joys around us.
Today, we call it The Positivity Jar. It’s a simple, powerful way to honor the good in our lives, one memory at a time.
Why a jar, and why cards
There's something about writing a good moment down, on paper, by hand, that my notes app on my phone doesn't quite replicate. It takes just a few seconds. There's no distracted scrolling, no notifications, nothing competing for your attention.
You write the note, you drop it in the jar, and you go back to your day.
And there's something even better about not reading them right away. I enjoy seeing them slowly collect. Then on a hard week, or a hard month, the jar is just sitting there. It’s holding proof that good things happened, even when you can't remember a single one in the moment.
Try a mini version, free
I put together a small, free printable so you can try this. It includes:
The full story behind the Positivity Jar (so you have the "why," not just the "how")
Simple instructions for setting one up
No jar required to get started… a mug, a small box, even an envelope taped to the wall works just as well.
When you're ready for more:
The full Positivity Jar Starter Kit includes: 42 fill-in printable cards, a full set of "For a Hard Day" prompts for the harder days, a cutting and cardstock guide, and complete instructions, all sized for both US Letter and A4 printing.
Get the full Positivity Jar Starter Kit on Etsy →
It's $6.50, an instant download to help you get started today!
If you start a jar of your own, I would love to see it. I love seeing others embracing this practice and hearing about how it helps you stay focused on the positive moments that surround you!
A gentle note: this is a mindfulness and gratitude practice, not a replacement for professional support. If you're struggling, please reach out to a mental health professional or someone you trust.