10 Ways To Keep A Happy Journal

by | Nov 24, 2015 | How To, Self-Love | 8 comments

10 Ways To Keep A Happy Journal | Uncustomary

The act of keeping a happy journal (or a gratitude journal) is a very small and simple act that can be so immensely helpful for achieving higher levels of happiness in your life. It seems hokey and new-age-y to some, but if you can get past the potential stigma attached to this activity, you will see your life change in ways you didn’t know were possible.

I’ve been keeping a happy journal for years, and recommend it to anyone I talk to. I’m so glad more and more people are doing it. Someone recently asked me if I felt weird that something I’ve been doing for so long has become so popular and the answer is absolutely not. I preach it because I believe it, and my genuine desire is for everyone to try this practice.

If you’re at a loss for how to start keeping a happy journal, I’ve written a 101 post you might enjoy. Today, though, I want to explore more options with you because writing with a pen in a composition notebook might not appeal to you. I so strongly want you to try this that I’ve come up with a bunch of different ways you can begin the practice. See what appeals to you the most and go for it!

10 Ways To Keep A Happy Journal

1) A Notebook

You can purchase a pre-decorated notebook, either spiral or bound. You can buy a plain book and decorate the cover. You can bind your own book together with blank paper and thread.

You can use ruled or unruled pages. You can write in pen, pencil, marker, crayon, highlighter, permanent marker, colored pencil. You can type your entries on a typewriter and insert them later. You can write in print, cursive, or all caps. You can alternate every word or every line with a different color.

You can paste in ephemera such as pictures, ticket stubs, and things you found that day. You can carry the book with you everywhere you go. You can hide it under your bed and never show it to anyone.

10 Ways To Keep A Happy Journal | Uncustomary

2) Jar

You can use slips of paper to write your happy moments down and stuff them into a jar for safe keeping. You can use a clear jar you can see through, an opaque jar to cultivate mystery, or a container that’s not a jar at all. You can choose an object such as a shoe box, can, bottle, hat box, carved out book, safe, or vase to house your entries.

You can make the slips of paper out of anything you like including recycled materials and brightly colored construction paper. You can hand write or type your entries. You can make them as long or short as you want on each slip of paper. You can fold the pieces of paper into origami before you stick them in the jar.

You can display the jar as decoration or keep it hidden. You can reach in the jar as needed to pull out a random happy memory. You can dump all your entries out onto the floor to see in a tangible way how much joy there is in your life.

3) Digital

You can create a document on your computer where you type up your entries. You can keep a note file in an app on your phone. You can create a Google Doc, write an e-mail to yourself, or create a personal or public blog.

You can use any font you like, in any color text. You can use HTML coding to customize the feel of your entries. You can add visuals and hyperlinks to relevant information.

You can keep these digital files secret or share them with the internet in an easy click of your mouse. You can document your happiness from pretty much anywhere in the world, so as along as you have access to the internet you can update your journal.

10 Ways To Keep A Happy Journal | Uncustomary

4) Paper Chain

You can use paper slips to document happy memories and staple them together in a circle. Every new memory gets linked to the previous circle and stapled together, forming a long chain. You can use colorful staples, washi tape, or hot glitter glue to adhere the slips of paper together.

Just like with the jar, you can make the paper slips out of anything and you can hand write or type your words.

You can hang your paper chain in your room as a decoration and reminder of your happy life. As the chain grows, you can feel comfort in knowing you’ve accumulated all these happy memories. You can choose to write the word on the inner side of the links so no one can read them and just say “it’s decoration” when you’re met with questions, or you can share the concept with people who inquire.

5) Calendar

Get a calendar with extra space to write each day. It can be a wall, daily, or agenda type calendar. You can use the easy scheduled format as a reminder to write down your entries and you’ll have a compact chronicle of your happy moments at the end of the year.

10 Ways To Keep A Happy Journal | Uncustomary

6) Sticky Note Wall

You can write your happy bits on adhesive Sticky Notes and post them on your wall to create an installation. You’ll be able to see the installation grow as you add to it. You can also choose to place the sticky notes around your house in various places that will make you smile and remember things as you go about your chores and day.

You can utilize a variety of novelty Sticky Notes, they come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and shapes– anything from a pink high heel shoe to a speech bubble to a star. You can easily move the Sticky Notes as you desire, and they won’t damage any walls.

7) Videos

You can create a video diary that captures how you look, the inflection of your voice, and how you truly feel with video footage. You can record your face or moments or your feet, with the added value of audio as part of your media.

You can keep your video files on your laptop or phone, or you can share them with the world on a YouTube channel. This is an amazing thing to have to look back on in the future.

10 Ways To Keep A Happy Journal | Uncustomary

8) Dry Erase Board

If you’re not into the idea of having a permanent collection of happy journal entries, you might try a dry erase or chalkboard. You can write your entries down every day and then wipe them away when you’re ready to write another. You can use multi-colored markers or chalk and include drawings as well.

If the idea of a dry erase board appeals to you, but the concept of impermanence does not, consider writing your entries on the board and taking a photo (either digital or instant film) that you can catalog and archive your entries with. Don’t forget that dry erase markers also work on mirrors!

9) Scrapbook

There are many evolving scrapbook-based projects that you can utilize for your happy journal such as Project Life. You can use the slots allocated for photos for your lists as well as ephemera and pictures to create a multimedia project. You can also create your own scrapbook the old fashioned way with square cardstock, glue sticks, and stickers. You can use your love of ephemera and mixed media to create a visually pleasing memory book of your happy life.

10 Ways To Keep A Happy Journal | Uncustomary

10) Instant Film

Although this is probably the most pricey option, it might appeal to the photographer/visual creative in you. You could use instant film to take a picture of yourself every day and on the back of it write the date and your entry of things that made you happy. You could also take a picture of an thing/place/person that made you happy that day and list any additional items on the back. You can keep your film in a photo album or shoebox.

You can do this with digital photos, too! Post a photo to Instagram with the caption being your gratitude/happy list. That way you don’t have to store physical photos if you don’t want.

Ready to take the next step to get a grateful life? Take my FREE e-course: “7 Steps To A Grateful Life”!

Free E-Course!

PS – You might also enjoy:
How To Keep A Happy Journal
Happy Journal Testimonials

Want even more tips, tricks, and support with your journey of self love? Treat yourself to my e-course, Self Love: The Key To Happiness.

In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

Automatically Build Your Email!

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

Automatically Build Your Email!

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject: 


✉️ Open in My Email App




Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.
 





			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
				
				

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
I’m so glad you asked.


DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.


The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.


There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.


There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.


The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.


And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.


I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.


I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.


That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

			

			

				
				
				
				
			

				

				
				
				
				
				

				
				
				
				
				
You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

			

				
				
				
				
				
There are Merriment Makers everywhere.


People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.


Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.


I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.


And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.


There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.


I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

			

				
				
				
				
				
			

				
				
				
				
				
Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

			

				
				
				
				
				
💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com


🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com


🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle