I truly wish it were that simple, don't you? Truthfully, it really can be, and for starters it is all about putting things in perspective, being happy with your lot, and recognizing the need to be grateful for all the good you do have, not to mention for every moment and every morning that you wake up, as nothing is certain! On the other hand making tiny paper stars might come easily to some of us, while to others making a jar full of these would be torture. And that my friends is sort of like happiness: easy to come by for some and really difficult to achieve for others, sadly enough. And in case you are wondering, I do mean a deep sense of fulfillment as well as joyful moments, and hopefully some exhilarating ones as well, as true happiness is a combination of all of the above, and then some.
So, while it may sound a bit cliche, happiness can truly be a jar of origami stars, that put a smile on your face every time you look at them, that add that just perfect cute factor to your day, that brought together your family in an activity, or that became a sweet baby mobile for a new mommy. Right now that jar of stars that has been sitting on our dining room table for a few weeks now is just exactly what it is, a jar of paper stars that I made one at a time, and I love it! The combination of colors, the joyfulness of it, and the fact that it is not trying to be anything other than what it is.
Ah yes, so maybe that is another key to happiness, being true to who we are? In my case I am being true to who I am by writing this post in the first place, and by actually displaying this jar of stars front and center in my home. Do I need others to understand anything about this jar? No, loud and clear, no, on the other hand if you are reading this you likely do understand, and our mutual understanding across the seas creates global happiness, which is quite a significant thing to think about. I am rambling, so please don't think about it too much, just get yourself some quilling paper and make yourself a little jar of happiness, and then spread it!
If you love these little stars as much as I do, spend the time to learn how to make them, the investment is minimal with great returns, and I will be posting some crafts in the future with a bunch of ideas for how to use them.
All you need is 1cm (or a bit wider if you like) quilling strips, or cut the paper yourself (though that is a bit tedious) and a bit of patience for the first 20 or so, and then it all clicks into place and you'll have a jarful by the end of the next long car trip, family get together, or any occasion that warrents a little busy work!
Take a look at my previous post here.