When was the last time you stopped and asked yourself these four questions?

• What brings you joy and love?
• What is causing me stress?
• What am I thankful for?
• What am I proud of?

These days it’s too easy to get caught up in trying to survive, focused only on the tasks at hand that we forget to take the time to acknowledge what’s really happening in our lives.  

We might tell our husband or our kids that we love them every day, and yes, we mean it, but it also just becomes rote, a habit that isn’t truly acknowledged.

We might complain about things that frustrate us, giving them power to make us feel angry, but do we actually deal with those issues?

We might say “thank God!” or “thank heavens!” in a positive situation, but it’s only momentary thanks.

We might tell our kids we’re proud of them, we might even be proud of ourselves for something, but the acknowledgement is fleeting.

This is why I created the “Thoughtful Jar” as a way to connect with our lives in small portions that offer a big impact, here’s how…

1. Grab a clear jar or vase and designate it as your “Thoughtful Jar”
2. Get a pad of multi-colored note paper (I got mine at Staples)
3. Put the two together, some place convenient like the kitchen counter, your desk at work, or in the bathroom (you can even have more than one!)
4. Each day…or whenever you feel compelled, write yourself a note on the color of note paper that corresponds with the topic (see below)
5. At the end of the week take a look at your jar and the colors inside. Take notice of the prominent color(s) to help you decide what to focus on the next week.

Do you need to be more grateful? Do you need to reduce stress? Are you struggling to find something to be proud of or are joy and love something that feel foreign right now?

Life is full of ups and downs and it’s not going to be roses and puppies and rainbows all the time and it’s easy to get caught up in the day-to-day stress without taking the time to acknowledge what’s really going on– good, bad and ugly. 

Pink/Red= LOVE

Write yourself a note about something or someone you love. Don’t forget to include yourself.

Blue= STRESS

Write down what is creating stress for you and include a possible solution. You don’t have to have it all figured out, but addressing stress, acknowledging it and identifyingg how you can resolve it will help you “deal” with it.

Yellow= THANKS

Write down what you’re thankful for! Don’t forget those challenges that make you stronger and wiser.

Green= PRIDE

Write down an accomplishment, big or small. It’s important to be proud of yourself no matter how insignificant that achievement might seem, it’s worth acknowledging.