Make a happiness manifesto
Feel happier by making a declaration of what gives you pleasure in life.
On difficult days you can forget what cheers you up and makes you feel happy. By creating a piece of word art you will have a reminder you can turn to for ideas whenever you need it.
What is a happiness manifesto?
A manifesto is a public declaration of your intentions, opinions or what matters to you. Manifestos are often written and used by governments, businesses and organisations to state their ideas and beliefs but a manifesto can be personal too. A happiness manifesto is specific; it’s a declaration of what makes you happy. By making your happiness manifesto into a piece of word art you can get creative and display it in your home to see every day.
How to make your happiness manifesto
First, get a piece of paper and a pen and write a list of everything you can think of that you enjoy and makes you happy. From playing with friends to reading to football, there’s no limit to how many things you can write. Next, read the words and phrases you’ve written and circle those that feel really important to your happiness, and what you most love to do. Cross out any you don’t feel excited about.
Decide if you’re going to make your word poster with pens or paint, or create it on a computer. If you’re using a computer application, choose a typeface you like and arrange your words and phrases on an A4 page. Make the words the same or different colours and then print it out. If you’re making your poster by hand, write or paint your words on a piece of paper or card, making it as colourful as you like. Display your eye-catching happiness manifesto poster in a place you can see it every day as a reminder.
Why it’s good to focus on the good
Francesca Geens, creator of the Happy Self Journal, believes there are lots of reasons we should celebrate what makes us happy, “It makes us kinder and more helpful to others, less likely to get ill, more creative and better at dealing with challenges.” Noone is happy all the time and when you feel anxious or sad, your brain can go round in circles with your worries. Your happiness manifesto can help shift your mind to positive things. Geens says, “Writing down all the things that bring you joy and having your happy poster up will give you ideas for what to do when you need a little boost.”