Have you noticed how the pace of life rapidly quickens around the Holiday season? It’s no wonder that most of us are already feeling the effects of our hectic pace with Thanksgiving right around the corner and Christmas close behind. As a result, the typical couple spends less than 4 minutes per day having meaningful conversation.

We (Greg and I) have become acutely aware of this issue in our own relationship. It has become very clear that there is much to be missed when traveling at such a fast pace and with little margin.

The definition for thankfulness is “to be aware of and to appreciate a benefit; to be grateful.” Can you imagine what we are missing by not intentionally having a spirit of thankfulness in our marriage? Take time this Thanksgiving and Christmas Season to display a grateful spirit to your spouse. Are you frustrated that your spouse didn’t cook dinner? Be thankful that you have a spouse to eat with—whether it is macaroni and cheese or a gourmet meal. Upset that the house is a wreck after you spent all day cleaning? Be grateful that there is someone else sharing your home with you.

There is no greater way to honor your spouse than to be grateful and thankful for their presence in your life. First and foremost, notice what your spouse does that you appreciate. Slow down and make a list of 10 things you appreciate about them and are grateful for. Then, express your list by sharing one item each day for the next 10 days.

Want to be an appreciated spouse? Be one!

Let’s play a word association game! I’m going to give you a word, and I want you to see what words first pop into your head. Ready?  Ok…here it is…

Fortune.

Here are some of the things that first came into my mind when I thought about it: Fortune 500. Money. Wheel of Fortune. Fortune cookie. Wealth. How many of you thought along the same lines as me?

Most of us generally associate the word fortune with accumulating material possessions and wealth. In fact, we even have a game show (Wheel of Fortune) that tells us so. Spin the wheel, win a fortune. But what is it in life that really makes us “fortunate”? Is it having a lot of money? Or are we missing the point?

Take some time to reflect on your own meaning of fortune. What are the things that make someone fortunate? What are the first things that pop into your head now? Family? Friends? Love? How many of you thought of your spouse?

Take a second and let your spouse know just how fortunate you are to have them. Make a call. Write a text. Shoot an e-mail. Remember that you can amass your own fortune without ever cashing a big check.