Chip Franks believes the world has enough people grinding through their days without joy. What it needs more of are Joyful Savages — people who’ve done the work to genuinely love being alive, even in hard seasons. After a stroke at 45 left him broken and depressed, Chip rebuilt his brain through a gratitude practice so systematic and neurologically grounded that it became something others could replicate. He’s now on a mission to help high performers transform from success without satisfaction to lives fully savored. Through The Joyful Savage Movement and the A-OK a Day Foundation, Chip is building a cultural shift — one where gratitude isn’t fluffy, it’s fierce. Chip has been endorsed by Hal Elrod (author of The Miracle Morning), James Altucher (author of Choose Yourself), and Emily Fletcher (founder of Ziva Meditation). He lives in Texas with his family.
❤️👍 Blessings and BONUS Time!
Howdy, beautiful Reader!
I wanted to share a story, and an insight I had last night--
And maybe it will mean something to you.
Last night while walking at night with no phone, just clearing out my head, I had a thought that brought a lot more joy and gratitude to my (admittedly already joyful and gracious life).
After my stroke, over 6 years ago, I was in a really bad, acute depression. I talked a little about it in my video to help others conquer depression...but I did not want to be alive anymore.
I don't want to sound too dramatic, but if my family wasn't in my life and I could find a way to end my life without hurting anyone else...I might've taken it. It was that bad for me. I get emotional even thinking about it because I just remember vividly how bad I felt.
But the wonderful thought that came through last night was that I did NOT do anything dumb like that at the time, and I am wonderfully alive (obviously), AND--
This is bonus time.
Everything past that awful time in my life is a GIFT. It's a present for me from a God and Universe that really wants the best for me.
That's the thought, and it made me happy, and strangely felt like a weight taken off of me. I don't know if that makes sense to anyone--but it sure felt good to me.
Can you relate to anything like that? Have you had a near miss in your life? Have you had a really rough time that you persevered through? Maybe a severe illness, a stroke, or cancer that you beat?
Now is your second chance. It's like a new life, a blank slate, a clear canvas for us.
And that's so cool.
Now the Blessings!
- A new opportunity every day to wake up and make a new start for us, choose our actions, most of our thoughts, and some of our feelings. We get to direct the ship of our life, and that is one of the biggest blessings there is.
THANK YOU!
- Being able to watch sunrises and sunsets. It's such a blessing, and I'm absolutely convinced that we sleep better when we do that.
- Interruptions and people talking while others are talking at our school. It's irritating, and I find myself getting mad at the people who do it.
The reason I'm grateful for that is that it makes more of us and me, in particular, to stand up, call out, and solve that issue. The obstacle is the way. I'm doing something about that on Thursday, and it will be good for everyone.
- An elderly lady whom I love from the church I attended as a youth is now in hospice and will be passing soon. I'm grateful for this because she's lived such a wonderful, kind, and loving life. I've often thought about her, and her husband who passed in the last few years as literally the kindest people I've ever known.
They also have several children who have also blessed the world. She lived a long, beautiful life. I also know that she is about to be in a much better place, and will shed her aged body to touch the face of God.
I don't want it to sound strange, but I'm happy that her soul is about to experience this, and I'm grateful for it.
- My son has had no outbursts or emotional moments in quite a while, and I think his being back at school and on a regular schedule has been very good for him. He seems happier and more like the precious, wonderful Alec we all know.
I'm so grateful for this. I love life. Thank you!
That will do it for this email.
I sure appreciate you and am sending you lots of love.
With love,
❤️👍 Chip
P.S. Have you overcome something like I mentioned above to give you a second chance?
Please hit 'reply' and let me know. I'd love to hear your story.
Love * Life * More
Chip Franks believes the world has enough people grinding through their days without joy. What it needs more of are Joyful Savages — people who’ve done the work to genuinely love being alive, even in hard seasons. After a stroke at 45 left him broken and depressed, Chip rebuilt his brain through a gratitude practice so systematic and neurologically grounded that it became something others could replicate. He’s now on a mission to help high performers transform from success without satisfaction to lives fully savored. Through The Joyful Savage Movement and the A-OK a Day Foundation, Chip is building a cultural shift — one where gratitude isn’t fluffy, it’s fierce. Chip has been endorsed by Hal Elrod (author of The Miracle Morning), James Altucher (author of Choose Yourself), and Emily Fletcher (founder of Ziva Meditation). He lives in Texas with his family.
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