Bucket Filling

The children’s book, Have You Filled a Bucket Today? A Guide to Daily Happiness for Kids, has sold over 2 million copies since its publication in 2006. Many people, including adults, have adopted the “Fill a Bucket Today” philosophy since reading the bucket filling books. So, I asked Author Carol McCloud why she thought this first book resonated with so many people. 

First, I asked what inspired her to write Have You Filled a Bucket Today? She explained, “I wrote out of frustration that this wonderful concept of filling buckets was not being taught to children everywhere. I saw how quickly a three-year-old could grasp the concept and how much goodness and happiness it brought to everyone.” She decided a picture book would be the best tool to teach children about their invisible buckets and how to fill them. While her book was written for kids, she said the concept applies to all ages. “Who doesn't want a happier life? I sure do!” Carol emphasized how making others happy makes us happy, too; 

I then asked her, “What makes bucket filling so important?" She continued, “When you learn to treat others with kindness and respect, you’re happier, and you have better relationships. Most people want happiness, but they don't understand how simple it is to be happier. The one statement in my book that is so important is this: When you fill someone else's bucket, you fill your own. I wish more people understood this life-enhancing principle. It’s a daily choice that we all have.” One thing that remained consistent throughout Carol’s responses was that bucket filling was not just about helping others; it was also about helping yourself. 

Lastly, I asked Ms. McCloud how communities benefit from friendly people filling buckets. She said, “We all benefit when we do what we can to support and help each other, so we must do our part by volunteering and sharing the load. Kind, supportive communities are happy communities. This means to work together to make our communities better places to live.”

Why does the bestseller Have You Filled a Bucket Today?, resonate with so many people? I think it’s because everyone strives to be happy, and this book shows us how. It’s the simplicity of its message that is so special. Thank you, Carol McCloud, for taking the time to answer these questions!

Owen Tereso