DIY Joy: Creating an Emergency Joy Kit

You know those bad mood days. The days when a dark cloud seems to hover over everything and you just can't shake it? Or maybe you just feel a bit off or blue or not yourself? I've talked about battling those days with Joy Lists or Mantra Jars or flowers.

All of those remedies are good, but for a while now I've been thinking about something even more nurturing, joyful and fun. I imagined something like a first aid kit, but instead of bandages and aspirin, it would contain chocolate and lip gloss.

It would be pretty and special and filled with small, uplifting bits and bobs.

I imagined I would sit and light a candle, brew some tea, quiet my mind. A bit of lipgloss, perfume, a sip of tea, a bite of chocolate and I'd feel better.

You don't wait until you've hurt yourself to put together a first aid kit. In the same way you shouldn't wait till you're under the dark clouds to put together your Emergency Joy Kit. Find a fun container and fill it with special treats so you'll be prepared next time a bad mood strikes. (It would also make a great gift if you're looking for easy, inexpensive DIYs for the holidays).

What you'll need:

a container
(think re-purposed & look for possibilities at the thrift store, garage sales or shop from your closets, basement or cabinets)

• vintage cigar box
• fun pencil box
• berry basket
• woven or wicker basket
• lunchbox
• tote bag, purse, backpack or pouch
• wooden crate (wine crate, pie crate, fruit crate)

contents

(think of things that will stimulate the five senses, be colorful or joyful or have a special meaning)

• a fancy chocolate bar or other snack (fruit snacks, mints, crackers, pretzels, chips, granola bar, cup of soup packet, prepared soup carton -- anything that will make your day a little more special)
• tea bags, hot cocoa packets
• lip balm or lip gloss
• perfume (especially solid perfumes or perfume pens or make your own -- I made a batch with lavender and bergamot) or scented hand lotion or salve (sample or travel sizes work well, or make your own)
• bubble bath or bath salts
• a joyful color of nail polish
• pretty temporary tattoos
• Joy Journal or blank book (make one from my Newsletter free gift) to write a Joy List
• a pre-written Joy List
• a fancy, colorful or fun pen or pencil
• a joyful piece of jewelry (a fun ring, a sweet necklace, a special bracelet)
• mantras or affirmations
• a photograph of you as a child or from an especially happy time or a small photo album filled with some of your favorite photos, photos of a special vacation or photos of your favorite people
• a vintage doily, tablecloth or table runner to help make a special space
• a scented candle and pretty matchbox (decorating a matchbox is a fun and easy project)
• a favorite CD, mix or playlist
• a pretty and/or inspiring magazine or book

Label your kit and wrap it with a ribbon or bow. Or if your container itself isn't pretty or joyful-looking, wrap up your kit like a present with lovely wrapping paper, special fabric or a tablecloth.

And now I'm ready for the next time those dark clouds threaten.

What about you? What would you put in your Emergency Joy Kit?