January Jar

About 15 years ago, I came across a simple idea:

“This January, why not start the year with an empty jar and fill it with notes about the good things that happen. Then, on New Year’s Eve, empty it and see all the wonderful moments from the year.”

So I did. I kept a January jar for many years.

Then came 2017—a year that went a little haywire for me. There were family illnesses, I left my long-time job, returned to study at TAFE and later online university, and spent as much time as I could with the people who mattered most to me then.

All of that eventually led to me packing my life into storage in 2022 and moving in with my brother and his son, where I stayed for three years.

In December 2025, it was time to move again.

The past few years have been heavy—between worldwide events and personal ones—so I’ve been unpacking slowly in my new home, taking plenty of rest breaks along the way.

Today is 24/12/2025. While unpacking, I came across the last January jar I ever filled, dated 2016.

It was overflowing with poignant memories:

• Friends driving over 12 hours just to visit me

• Watching a rainbow being created right in front of my eyes

• My soulmate, Oscar the cat, snuggling up to me (he has since passed)

• My sister, Glenny, and I finally becoming friends—she crossed over not long after

Finding that jar felt like opening a time capsule of love, connection, and moments that truly mattered. Moments I cannot recreate, as at least 2 mentioned have crossed over.

I am not scared of dying, I simply want to participate in making this universe a better place.

And the answer is simple.

Fill up with love.