Happy Thanksgiving from GapJump AI

Happy Thanksgiving! We often talk about practicing gratitude, but in the rush of the season, it can be hard to know how to practice it effectively.

This week, I wanted to share something a little different: a way to use technology to deepen your appreciation for the real world. Below are four "cut-and-paste" prompts you can use with AI (like Gemini or ChatGPT) to help cultivate a mindset of gratitude. 

Also, I asked Gemini’s new 3.0 reasoning model to suggest improvements on my secret Cranberry Chutney recipe. I’m going to give it a try. If you’d like to as well, the recipe is down below. Don’t tell anyone!

I’m definitely grateful for you all!

Kevin

Option 1: The "21-Day Gratitude Coach"

Best for: Building a habit and needing accountability.

"Act as my Gratitude Coach. I want to build a gratitude habit over the next 21 days.

Your Goal: Help me move beyond generic gratitude (like 'I'm grateful for food') and find appreciation in the micro-details of my life.

The Process:

1. Each day, ask me one unique, thought-provoking question designed to spark gratitude (e.g., 'What is a challenge you faced today that taught you something?' or 'What is a specific sensory experience you enjoyed today?').

2. Wait for my answer.

3. After I answer, briefly reflect on what I said to reinforce the positive feeling, and then end the session for the day.

Please start by asking me the question for Day 1."

Option 2: The "Silver Lining" Reframer

Best for: When you are stressed, anxious, or prone to negative thinking.

"I want to practice 'Gratitude Reframing.' Please act as an empathetic thought partner.

Whenever I share a frustration, a worry, or a complaint with you, please follow these steps:

1. Validate: Acknowledge my feelings first (don't embrace toxic positivity).

2. Pivot: Gently ask me a question that helps me find a 'hidden gem,' a lesson, or a 'silver lining' within that specific situation to be grateful for.

3. Deepen: Ask me where I feel that shift in my body.

Let's start now. Here is my current frustration: [Insert your frustration here]."

Option 3: The "Gratitude Scavenger Hunt"

Best for: Making gratitude fun, low-pressure, and observant.

"Let's play a 'Gratitude Scavenger Hunt.' Your role is to give me one small, specific 'mission' to look for during my day.

Rules:

• The missions should be sensory or specific (e.g., 'Find something blue that makes you smile' or 'Notice a sound you usually ignore but actually like').

• When I report back that I found it, celebrate the win with me and give me a new mission for tomorrow.

Give me my first mission."

Option 4: The Deep Dive (The "Mega-Prompt")

Best for: A complete mindset overhaul using psychological principles.

"Act as a wise mentor combining the principles of Stoicism and Positive Psychology. I want to embody a gratitude mindset, not just intellectually, but emotionally.

Please guide me through a session right now.

1. First, ask me to list three things I am grateful for.

2. Once I list them, ask me to imagine losing one of those things specifically (negative visualization).

3. Guide me through a short reflection on how much I appreciate having that thing right now, knowing it isn't guaranteed forever.

Go ahead and ask me for my list."

Tips for success

• Be Specific: If the AI asks what you are grateful for, don't just say "My dog." Say, "The way my dog rests his chin on my knee when I'm working." Specificity creates the emotion.

Voice Mode: If you use the Gemini mobile app, these prompts work exceptionally well in Gemini Live (voice mode). It feels like a real therapy or coaching session.

Elevated Cranberry Orange Chutney

Prep time: 10 mins | Cook time: 30 mins | Yields: ~3 cups

Ingredients

• 1 tbsp neutral oil or butter

• 1/2 cup red onion or shallots, finely diced

• 1 cup orange juice (freshly squeezed is best)

• 3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

• 1 (12 ounce) package fresh cranberries

• 1 cup apples - peeled, cored, and diced (Granny Smith works best)

• 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar

• 1/2 cup dried tart cherries, dried apricots (chopped), or golden raisins

• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground)

• 1 tablespoon fresh orange zest

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1/4 teaspoon ground allspice

• 1/8 teaspoon ground cloves

• Optional: 1/2 cup toasted pecans or walnuts (roughly chopped)

• Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper (for heat)

Directions

1. Sauté the Aromatics:
   In a medium saucepan over medium heat, add the oil (or butter). Add the diced onions (or shallots) and sauté for about 3–4 minutes until they are soft and translucent, but not browned.

2. Create the Base:
   Pour in the orange juice, cider vinegar, and brown sugar. Stir constantly until the sugar has completely dissolved.

3. Simmer:
   Stir in the cranberries, apples, dried fruit, fresh ginger, orange zest, and spices (cinnamon, allspice, cloves, and optional cayenne). Increase heat to bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to low.

4. Thicken:
   Simmer gently, uncovered, for 15 to 20 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want the cranberries to burst and the mixture to thicken into a jam-like consistency. (It will thicken further as it cools).

5. Finish:
   Remove from heat. If you are using nuts, stir them in now so they retain their crunch.

6. Cool:
   Transfer to a serving dish or glass jar. Let it cool completely to room temperature before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Storage Note: This chutney actually tastes better the next day. You can keep it refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.