Wow, two messages in one week. It must be the holiday feeling! At my monthly women’s group this month we spoke briefly about “homework” we might do daily or weekly to be prepared to be more joyful. Here is Robert Emmons’ (thanks!, Houghton Mifflin) take on homework for gratitude, not quite the same thing, but appropriate for Thanksgiving nonetheless.

1. Keep a gratitude journal - catalogue gratitude-inspiring events every day

2. Remember the bad- then the good in the present shines by comparison

3. Ask yourself these three questions;

1. What have I received from ____?
2. What have I given to ____?
3. What troubles and difficulty have I caused ____?

(Helps to see the reciprocal quality of relationships)

4. Learn prayers of gratitude- these needn’t be religious, and can be said silently.

5. Come to your senses- be grateful for the functioning of your body.

6. Use visual reminders- pictures, stones from favorite hikes, other grateful people. Gratitude comes with awareness.

7. Make a vow to practice gratitude- swear an oath in front of others.

8. Watch your language- language determines the nature and content of thought; what you say to yourself influences how you feel about yourself.

9. Go through the motions - “act as if,” as we say in AA. Act happy to be happy.

10. Think outside the box - be grateful for your enemies, for what they teach you about how you want to be. Be grateful to those you help.

Happy Thanksgiving,