1. < Just Want to Talk

Gratitude Discussion Group

Posted by Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor @debbraw, Nov 24, 2018

Hi everyone! Just before Thanksgiving @michellegraffradford posted a blog called Gratitude Changes Everything. She suggested three techniques to help incorporate gratitude into our daily lives:


  • Start the Day with Gratitude (before getting up think of three people you are grateful for)

  • Maintain a Gratitude Journal to record times when you are grateful

  • Count Blessings – not sheep! (Review the day and remember moments of gratitude)


Her blogpost was so inspiring that a lot of us decided we wanted to form a Gratitude Group to keep the attitude of gratitude going. The blogpost area is not an ideal space for a big discussion group so I am moving the discussion over here to the “Just Want to Talk” Group. Let’s use this space to share and discuss our Gratitude Journey. I’m going to suggest that we each try to take a minute from the day and post here what has made us feel thankful today. It can be as small as a stranger’s smile on the bus or as large as fulfilling a major life dream – or anywhere in between. We can also discuss how we are doing with the three techniques. Sometimes it is easier to form new habits with support from others.

Michelle's full blogpost is at the link below. You may want to review it or print it out to help get started!
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/page/living-with-mild-cognitive-impairment-mci/newsfeed/gratitude-changes-everything/
I look forward to hearing from others in the Gratitude Group and to having others join us here! Thanks to those who already shared great stories. If you haven't yet, what gratitude will you share today?!

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.

Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Nov 25, 2018
In reply to @rachelanne "@Debraw Thank you so much for having this important discussion about Gratitude journals, and what to..." + (show)
@rachelanne

@debraw Thank you so much for having this important discussion about Gratitude journals, and what to be thankful for on a daily basis! I have been ill and depressed lately, because smoke from my Neighbor's apartment, is causing me such an inability to breathe in my own apartment! I have lived across from a Neighbor who smokes 24/7! I have a Cooling Tower, which only works slightly; however, my inability to control my Environment has made me think twice about exactly what to be Grateful for at this point in my life! However, I am thankful for actually waking up this morning, for my family and friends; but mostly because I actually have a life worthwhile after having a severe Stroke on May 4, 2001! I am also thankful my Temple Community, which keeps things in perspective, and is helping me face the reality of life's bumps and the ability to bounce back after suffering emergency situations!

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@rachelanne I could recommend the HEPA air filter that I use that was recommended by my doctor. It would clear out the smoke particulate and any fumes or solvents and allergens. Here's a link. https://foustco.com/all-products/air-purifiers/160r2-room-air-purifier/ It has both a HEPA if you get the Techostat filter (better one) and activated coconut carbon and a commercial grade blower motor. It is quieter than the Honeywell type HEPA filters and the filter needs to be repacked every 6 - 12 months depending on conditions. I do mine once a year and it costs about $70 to repack it. I also have the more expensive bigger air filter in my main level. You can also buy a box of disposable surgical masks. They do help a bit and are comfortable for when you can't be next to the filter. I wear them for house cleaning. I have asthma and have had lots of breathing problems.

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Nov 26, 2018

Today I am grateful for being able to move a little. There is a physical issue occurring that made me think I would not be able to get out of bed this morning. As the day goes on more than likely a discomfort will abide. Here is hoping everyone's day goes well!
Ginger

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1 reply
Parus | @parus | Nov 26, 2018
In reply to @gingerw "Today I am grateful for being able to move a little. There is a physical issue..." + (show)
@gingerw

Today I am grateful for being able to move a little. There is a physical issue occurring that made me think I would not be able to get out of bed this morning. As the day goes on more than likely a discomfort will abide. Here is hoping everyone's day goes well!
Ginger

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Each day I can rise from my bed is a day of gratitude. Wind with a wolf’s head at the door this morning. I am grateful for the shelter.

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rosegold | @rosegold | Nov 26, 2018

I am grateful to get out of bed too. God gave me another day.Depression has grabbed me and it is very hard at times to be social.🙂

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2 replies
rosegold | @rosegold | Nov 26, 2018

We had a lot of snow last nite from where l live.Grateful to still be here.🙂

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Parus | @parus | Nov 26, 2018
In reply to @rosegold "I am grateful to get out of bed too. God gave me another day.Depression has grabbed..." + (show)
@rosegold

I am grateful to get out of bed too. God gave me another day.Depression has grabbed me and it is very hard at times to be social.🙂

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@rosegold Depression does make it difficult to be social or much of anything else at times. Such a journey we are on. I am grate for the internet as a place of retreat.

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Nov 26, 2018

OK.. I think I am failing Gratitude 101! I almost started this post with a note that said "I've had a miserable day". Then I read all of the posts here and you all inspired me to get myself together. So now I am changing it. Gratitude is an attitude they say! I will tell you this: I had a very hectic weekend. Then I spent a big part of a miserable day at the attorney's office trying to get our advance directives re-done and updated. So now, I am grateful that it's over. I'm home, there is a gentle rain and mild weather, I'm safe, and I have leftovers in the fridge so I don't need to cook. That's all I need for today! But PS: being in this group dragged me into this attitude kicking and screaming. Left to myself I would have been having a pity party, but reading all the notes here made me realize that we really can find SOMETHING to be grateful for even on the day you update your will and health care proxy!!

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2 replies
2011panc | @2011panc | Nov 26, 2018

@debbraw Glad your day is over and you can look forward to a cozy evening with good, easy food. Without us you would have to get one of those furry toilet ring covers so you could have a cozy pity party! lol Glad the posts helped your attitude. BLessings

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Nov 26, 2018
In reply to @debbraw "OK.. I think I am failing Gratitude 101! I almost started this post with a note..." + (show)
@debbraw

OK.. I think I am failing Gratitude 101! I almost started this post with a note that said "I've had a miserable day". Then I read all of the posts here and you all inspired me to get myself together. So now I am changing it. Gratitude is an attitude they say! I will tell you this: I had a very hectic weekend. Then I spent a big part of a miserable day at the attorney's office trying to get our advance directives re-done and updated. So now, I am grateful that it's over. I'm home, there is a gentle rain and mild weather, I'm safe, and I have leftovers in the fridge so I don't need to cook. That's all I need for today! But PS: being in this group dragged me into this attitude kicking and screaming. Left to myself I would have been having a pity party, but reading all the notes here made me realize that we really can find SOMETHING to be grateful for even on the day you update your will and health care proxy!!

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@debbraw If all else fails, remember to be grateful you are breathing today. Knowing you have taken steps to update health care proxies and advance directives is something to be grateful for! A necessary evil.
Ginger

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capausz | @capausz | Nov 26, 2018
In reply to @debbraw "OK.. I think I am failing Gratitude 101! I almost started this post with a note..." + (show)
@debbraw

OK.. I think I am failing Gratitude 101! I almost started this post with a note that said "I've had a miserable day". Then I read all of the posts here and you all inspired me to get myself together. So now I am changing it. Gratitude is an attitude they say! I will tell you this: I had a very hectic weekend. Then I spent a big part of a miserable day at the attorney's office trying to get our advance directives re-done and updated. So now, I am grateful that it's over. I'm home, there is a gentle rain and mild weather, I'm safe, and I have leftovers in the fridge so I don't need to cook. That's all I need for today! But PS: being in this group dragged me into this attitude kicking and screaming. Left to myself I would have been having a pity party, but reading all the notes here made me realize that we really can find SOMETHING to be grateful for even on the day you update your will and health care proxy!!

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Any day above ground is a good day. I am grateful to be aware.....

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