Gratitude: A Game Changer + Video to Laugh and Cry

by Tess

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

    { 14 comments… read them below or add one }

    Vidya Sury October 1, 2012 at 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!
    Vidya Sury´s last post…Moments

    Reply

    Tess October 1, 2012 at 8:59 pm

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

    Reply

    Mary October 1, 2012 at 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.

    Reply

    Tess October 1, 2012 at 8:59 pm

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

    Reply

    David Stevens October 1, 2012 at 4:06 pm

    Thank You Tess,
    be good to yourself
    David
    David Stevens´s last post…Momentum & Clarity…what it means in the Bigger picture of Life

    Reply

    Tess October 1, 2012 at 9:00 pm

    Your welcome David!

    Reply

    Betsy/Zen Mama October 2, 2012 at 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
    Betsy/Zen Mama´s last post…Zucchini Soup (and more) – A Delicious, Easy Zen Meal

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    Fran Sorin October 2, 2012 at 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
    Fran Sorin´s last post…How Faith Cushions The Exquisite Pain of Grieving and Letting Go

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    Zivana Anderson October 3, 2012 at 12:00 am

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

    Reply

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

    Hi Tess,

    Wonderful video and reminder about the power of daily gratitude.
    Cathy | Treatment Talk´s last post…7 Steps to Maintain Long Term Recovery

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    Sandy October 4, 2012 at 6:49 am

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

    Reply

    Carolyn Hughes October 4, 2012 at 1:25 pm

    Love your gratitude attitude! And the video was great :)
    Carolyn Hughes´s last post…A Healing Heart

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    Cau Nguyen October 7, 2012 at 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!

    Reply

    Cau Nguyen October 7, 2012 at 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!
    Cau Nguyen´s last post…Internet Download Manager 6.12 Final Build 21 – Download IDM Free

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