Bowl of Happiness

Instructions: fill your bowl of happiness with color according to how much happiness you have in your life. Discuss the following questions: 

1. Is your bowl filled with enough happiness?
2. Will it last?
3. When was the last time the bowl was full?
4. When was the last time, if ever, it was empty?
5. What is “real happiness”?

6. How does attitude affect happiness?
7. How do relationships affect happiness?
8. Are there special habits or rituals that can add to happiness (e.g. praying, planting and taking care of flowers, talking to a family member each day)?
9. How does reaching out and helping others affect happiness?
10. How do you/can you create your own happiness?

I think my bowl should have more happiness in it. I think it is up to me for the happiness I am experiencing right now to last. I think my small amount of happiness will last. The last time the bowl was full was in my first year of college. The last time it was empty was when I received my diagnosis for a mental disorder. Real happiness is having health, wealth and people you can count on in your life. I think a positive attitude can result in more happiness. Relationships are very important to happiness. If you surround yourself with genuinely upbeat people you are likely to become like them. There are some activities you could do to feel more happy and stress-free. They include reading, any creative activity, sport and talking to your loved ones. I don't feel better when I help others so this whole helping others to feel better might just be a myth in my case. I create my own happiness by enjoying the small pleasures of life: good food on the table, walks in nature, trips with my family, going out for a meal, going to the movies or theatre by myself, reading, moving my body daily, art therapy exercises and the list can continue. I also buy things that make me feel good like cuddly toys or perfume.