12 Days of Gratitude

Much like the 12 Days of Christmas, the 12 Days of Gratitude are very similar. However, you play with your spouse and this can be done any time of year! Take 12 days (or however many you would like) and thank your spouse for something they did that day, or something they continue to do. So Day 1, one thing you are thankful for and work your way up to 12 things on the twelfth day. Try these ideas on how to tell you spouse thank you:

• Random text message
• Post-it note in their car, lunch, work bag or bathroom mirror
• Hand written note (especially useful if you struggle verbalizing your feelings)
• Poem or Song if you possess those talents
• Make your own thank you card (or buy a cute one)
• Make a toast to them at dinner; it is a good idea if you have children so they can see how much you appreciate each other
• Make a video of you listings things you are grateful for (get as creative as you desire)

These are some ideas to help you think outside the box. Remember, to be creative when thinking of things you are grateful your spouse does. Maybe you dislike taking out the trash and your spouse has always done that. Think big and small when it comes to this activity and have fun!

The Ongoing Gratitude Date!

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When was the last time you thanked your spouse? For making the bed, helping with dishes, watching the children, or working all day? Now is the time to start thanking your spouse sa part of your weekly date night. Have a notebook beside your bed or wherever you will remember to write in it. At the end of the day take one minute and write down a reason you are thankful for your spouse. It shouldn’t be the same every day. Sometime during your date night, share a few reason you are thankful for your spouse, and have them do the same. This is also a great time for communication. For example, “I’m grateful you took the kids while I finished dinner, if you could continue to do that when you can I would really appreciate it,” Your spouse can do the same with you. Being grateful shows that you see the good that your spouse is doing and not just seeing where they lack. This activity doesn’t have to be limited to just once a week, however, if you aren’t in the habit of expressing that gratitude, this is a great way to start!

Enjoy the Colors

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Enjoy the fall leaves together.  I love the vibrant colors of leaves in the fall.  Take a drive, a walk along a scenic trail, or find a local park.  Enjoy the crispness in the air and the beauty that fall brings.  Pack a thermos of hot cider or hot cocoa and sip as you enjoy the views.

Relationship Reconnection:

With Thanksgiving right around the corner, it's a great time to focus on appreciation.  Did you know that being appreciative of your spouse and the little things they do can can help cultivate trust and respect for them also.  Research shows that appreciation and gratitude is a skill that anyone can cultivate in themselves.  When we make the effort to appreciate our spouse and use simple words like please and thank you, gratitude and appreciation will soon radiate back to us.

Oh So Sweet

photo courtesy of Whittaya Phonsawat at freedigitalphotos

This date will be sweet!  It's all about a little or a lot of indulgence, you decide.  Take your sweetie over to Shipley Do-nuts for some mouth watering donuts. Check out their website http://www.shipleydonuts.com/ and then click on store locator.  There are five stores in Houston.  See which one is closest to you. Make life a little sweeter and enjoy a treat together.




Relationship Reconnection:

"Do Nut" forget to thank your spouse.  Thank yous are always welcome in a relationship and a great way to diffuse or just reconnect.  Thank your spouse for everything, even the little things they do.  No one will tire of being thanked.  It fosters an atmosphere of gratitude and makes them desire to keep doing things for you.  Making your relationship a little sweeter, one thank you at a time.

Time to Give Back

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It's always good to be grateful for all you've been blessed with.  One way to show your gratitude is by giving back.  How about giving back on this date and volunteering on this date. The two of you can work side by side volunteering in a soup kitchen. Visit http://www.magnificathousesinc.org/Loaves_And_Fishes.html to find out available opportunities.  When you're so blessed, it's nice to step back and bless the lives of others.



Relationship Reconnection:

Take time to create a couples gratitude journal.  Talk about all you're grateful for in our marriage and family.  Jot down at least ten things your are thankful you've been blessed with.  Now, make a plan to write down at least ten things you're grateful for every night. You'll soon find that as you begin to focus on your blessings as a couple, you'll look at things in a more positive light.  This will help you reconnect and appreciate each other and all you have more.