Remember the little wind up cars and trucks? You could wind the wheels until you put them down and they’d roll for a few feet with a loud rattle then stop? They enticed you to wind them again and set them on their speedy path, only to fizzle out when the inner rubber band became unwound.

Or the Ever Ready Bunny? Once wound, he would step valiantly along…past all the other wind up toys? Still, at some point he would stop too. Until recharged.

How many times have you felt that way emotionally…in desperate need of recharging? Craving just one little jolt of inspirational juice. Heck, we all get plenty of negative “constructive criticism” but often not nearly enough of the good stuff.

So, in honor of November, the great month of thankfulness and reflection…grab a pen and sticky note, or a pencil and paper…yes, I know this is the age of technology and no one actually writes anything by hand anymore but humor me. That’s why you should step away from the computer screen or tablet..or smart phone. Follow these three steps for today (if you’re really brave, try the whole week):

1. Tell someone you love THANK YOU for something they’ve done for you. Write down what you said and how they responded.

2. Tell a stranger THANK YOU for something. Write down their reaction. Did they smile? Did they answer positively?

3. Tell a friend or remote family member THANK YOU for something…yep, write that down too.

4. (Surprise! There’s a fourth step!) Write a thank you to yourself for something you do well. Write it from someone else’s perspective, then add how you would respond.)

Stick the whole list in your pocket or purse and keep it. Refer to it whenever you need a little positive juice. Why? Because so often we want to be appreciated and feel the good vibes that are associated but we forget that it’s a reciprocal thing. Be the hand that winds up the toy and control your positive feedback.

Nothing feels better than praise and thanks — regardless of which side you’re on.

Have a great day!