January 18: Happy Records in 6 Minutes

Wait. Before you read any further, gather up some supplies: paper or your journal, a pen, and a timer.

Hang on. You’re still reading. No fair reading on until you follow the above instructions.

All right, have you got them? Good. Set your timer for three minutes. When I say go, write a list of as many songs you can think of that make you happy. Maybe it’s the toe-tapping beat, or the memories attached to that tune. Whatever it is that brings a smile to your face, write it down. Ready? Go!

Time’s up, pencils down. Now set the timer again, this time for two minutes. When you start the timer, write as fast as you can a list of books or stories that make you happy. They can be self-improvement books, classics, novels, poetry, or any genre. You’ve only got two minutes this time, so hurry!

Wow, that time went by fast. For the final exercise, it’s going to even go faster, because we’re only giving you one minute to complete the last brainstorming session. Record the color or colors that make you happy. If you have a few extra seconds, make a list of items that are that color. When your 60 seconds are up, give yourself a pat on the back—you’ve made not one but three Happy Records!

Paint a room or wear some earrings in your happy colors. Pull out one of the books on your list and eat some popcorn while you read. Turn the stereo up full-blast and dance in your living room. Be happy!

But before you put on your dancing shoes, leave us a quick comment telling us three things that make you happy—one from each of your Happy Records. You’ll be entered to win a Felicity Collection papercrafting kit in our daily contest. What a bonus!

P.S.—The papercrafter in you is probably itching to create a project from your Happy Records. Go right ahead! You can create a mini album or a layout or a jar full of strips of paper, each printed with something that makes you happy. The sky’s the limit!