Gratitude: A Game Changer + Video to Laugh and Cry

Gratitude has changed our lives. Years ago, Hubs bought a hot tub to celebrate my completion of graduate school, my new work as a psychologist, and our empty nest stage of life.

Sitting in our hot tub, one clear and starry night, we created what we call our "gratitude game." We would take turns sharing what we were grateful for. The only rule we had was, that we couldn't repeat what was already said. This one rule made us dig deep. 

The hot tub is long gone but the game is not. We continue to "play" it when we go for walk or a long drive. The best time to play it is, when one of us feels like we've been unfairly treated by life. We play it because we want to feel better. We play it because we know better.

We've discovered years ago that you can't be unhappy and grateful at the same time. Getting out of our egos and into gratitude is a bold and fearless thing to do. It's time well spent! It really changes our brain chemistry. I swear.

My teacher, Jacob Glass posted this video a few days ago. I thought it was outstanding. I laughed, cried, and was inspired. Consider this a gift from me to you because I'm so freakin' grateful you read my blog! xo

Comments on this entry are closed.

  • Vidya Sury October 1, 2012, 10:50 am

    Marvelous video! He’s so good! Thanks Tess. Gratitude is a great practice. We do that everyday, sometimes for fun, sometimes seriously to feel good. Hugs!

    • Tess October 1, 2012, 8:59 pm

      Thanks Vidya and I agree the video is marvelous. What a blessed young man to have such an awesome grandfather!

  • Mary October 1, 2012, 11:16 am

    Thanks so much, Tess, for the reminder on gratitude and for the GREAT video. I hope you realize what a gift your blog is and the gratitude it engenders. As you lead us Boldly down the path of gifting I wish you a beautiful glass, always half full.

    • Tess October 1, 2012, 8:59 pm

      Mary,
      I love your note. Thaaaanks sooo much for letting me know how you feel. I appreciate your support. xo

  • David Stevens October 1, 2012, 4:06 pm

    Thank You Tess,
    be good to yourself
    David

  • Tess October 1, 2012, 9:00 pm

    Your welcome David!

  • Betsy/Zen Mama October 2, 2012, 9:18 pm

    Tess,
    I can’t pass up any TED video and I really loved this one. Loved the story of his grandfather and his attitude, love of life and true gratitude for the world. It’s truly inspiring! Thanks for sharing!!

    xoxo
    Betsy

  • Fran Sorin October 2, 2012, 10:15 pm

    Tess-
    First -I LOVE that you and hubs sat in the hot tub and played the ‘gratitude game’.

    The video was phenomenal. It was the perfect salve for me as I started my day. Between your post and the video, my meditation and moment of gratitude this morning had more meaning. xxoo-Fran

  • Zivana Anderson October 3, 2012, 12:00 am

    What a fantastic video. You’re right gratitude is the key.

  • Cathy | Treatment Talk October 3, 2012, 7:23 pm

    Hi Tess,

    Wonderful video and reminder about the power of daily gratitude.

  • Sandy October 4, 2012, 6:49 am

    WOW. Wonderful stuff. Thanks soooo much for sharing TESS!!

  • Carolyn Hughes October 4, 2012, 1:25 pm

    Love your gratitude attitude! And the video was great 🙂

  • Cau Nguyen October 7, 2012, 7:41 am

    Marvelous video! He’s so good! Thanks Tess. Gratitude is a great practice. We do that everyday, sometimes for fun, sometimes seriously to feel good. Hugs!

  • Cau Nguyen October 7, 2012, 7:42 am

    http://downloadidmtiengviet.blogspot.com
    Marvelous video! He’s so good! Thanks Tess. Gratitude is a great practice. We do that everyday, sometimes for fun, sometimes seriously to feel good. Hugs!

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