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.

Elizabeth Zimmermann | @elizabethzimmermann | Dec 7, 2018

Gratitude is taking some interesting twists in my life this year. I'll share, because sometimes seeing the silver lining is the way you need to count ... Grateful that when I slipped on the ice and fell down the steps the other day I only tore my hamstring and didn't break my leg. Grateful that my father was awake at an unusually late hour to see my mother having a stroke and act immediately to help - she's never going to be the same, but she's here, she's my Mom and I'm thankful for both of them. Grateful that in the course of my recent divorce I learned to be more humble and ask for help - I have stronger relationships in my community and more people I consider trusted friends now.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 7, 2018

In reply to @parus "Good morning to all. I am grateful to be inside...View from my bedroom window. BRRRRRR." + (show)

@parus and @jodeej

I'm also grateful for a warm place to live, coffee, good friends and of course my good cyber friends in this Gratitude discussion group on Mayo Connect

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 7, 2018

In reply to @elizabethzimmermann "Gratitude is taking some interesting twists in my life this year. I'll share, because sometimes seeing..." + (show)

@elizabethzimmermann

What a great reminder that in the slips and falls and physical and emotional stressors of life that we can find a way to be thankful! Such a good reminder for me and I thank you for that.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 7, 2018

Today I am grateful for the rain we received yesterday. It is so needed around here. Thankfully this neighborhood was not affected by mud and debris runoff, and my heart goes out to those people.
Ginger

jodeej | @jodeej | Dec 7, 2018

In reply to @elizabethzimmermann "Gratitude is taking some interesting twists in my life this year. I'll share, because sometimes seeing..." + (show)

I'm sorry for what you've been through. I do agree that you have to look for the good in every situation, it's always there if you look hard enough.
Blessings,
JoDee

lioness | @lioness | Dec 7, 2018

In reply to @debbraw "Carrie @careyd - I'm in St. Augustine, FL. What about you? I'm hoping things get easier..." + (show)

@debbraw Thanks debbraw it was so brilliant in color Several years ago I saw a double rainbow

lioness | @lioness | Dec 7, 2018

In reply to @parus "Good morning to all. I am grateful to be inside...View from my bedroom window. BRRRRRR." + (show)

@parus brrr is right I remember those days in Pa. Brrrr Stay warm with a cuppa cocoa

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Dec 7, 2018

Today I am grateful that the plumber is here to repair my master bathroom sink that barely drips water and that doesn't drain. I'm writing this real quickly because I may not be so grateful when I find out what the bill is! LOL

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Dec 7, 2018

Hi everybody, I just want to take a minute to say that right now, I almost have tears in my eyes - where else can you go to read about double rainbows and being safe after brake failure, to stand at a friend's BR window and feel cozy & warm looking out at snow, to learn about how the Rose Bowl floats are made, and to know that someone - many someones - are cheering on your Gratitude journey. I love this group! And @elizabethzimmermann - I'm so happy you came over to share your beautiful silver linings. I guess even the biggest challenges have important lessons and gifts. Thanks for reminding us of that. How are you recovering after the hamstring tear? Is your mobility restricted?