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.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 7, 2019

@lioness You have created some amazing pieces! You and @parus have a remarkable talent. Thanks for sharing it with Connect

lioness | @lioness | Jan 7, 2019

@hopeful33250 Thanks I,ve always painted but am doing more lately .Maybe this class will help me to get back and do more

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 8, 2019

Today I am grateful to view the artwork of fellow connect members! It serves to remind me, and probably many others, that we all do have a creative component to us, even when it is hiding. Even when we doubt ourselves, there remains inside of us that flicker, that passion that allows us to go on. I am also grateful for the safe drive to two of my specialists yesterday, 200 miles round trip, in less than perfect weather in the morning.
Ginger

Parus | @parus | Jan 8, 2019

So true what @gingerw shares. I could not make that kind of trip no matter how creatively I can think. Creativity is everywhere and in everything we do. It shines forth in many ways. Being creative in new ways to tackle daily tasks is being creative. Thankful for creativity and thinking outside the box by others.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 8, 2019

In reply to @lioness "@hopeful33250 Thanks I,ve always painted but am doing more lately .Maybe this class will help me..." + (show)

It is definitely a special gift of yours, @lioness. Continue to develop it and explore it! Art work like yours, @parus and @jenniferhunter continues to amaze and bless me!

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 8, 2019

In reply to @parus "So true what @gingerw shares. I could not make that kind of trip no matter how..." + (show)

I wish I could double like your comment, @parus.

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Jan 8, 2019

In reply to @lioness "Here are some of my pictured Bengal tiger I did paint in class" + (show)

Oh @lioness -your artwork is spectacular. I'm glad @parus was able to help you figure out how to include photos. I'm just now getting on. Thank you for sharing!

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Jan 8, 2019

Today I'm grateful for gorgeous weather that is expected to hold all weekend. My son & DIL are coming to FL from Denver and its always nice if we have sunshine and blue skies for their winter visit. (Of course, the truth is that we enjoy the visit whatever the weather! I'm looking forward to it.)

Parus | @parus | Jan 8, 2019

@hopeful33250 I am thankful I can still do some. The commercial world was far too distressing for me. I no longer do commissions nor do I give any of my artwork as gifts. It did not fit the decor of those I gave it to. Once I realized this I was so embarrassed I no longer do this. Ignorant of me. Because someone likes what I do and how they can’t afford it was just a way of saying they really did not want it. I have given things completely framed only to find their words were untrue. Thankful to finally know the truth. . If there are those that prefer the dime store decor it is fine with me. 🙁. A hard lesson to learn.

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 8, 2019

I am sorry to hear that you were disappointed that your work was not received with grace and appreciation, @parus. The embarrassment that you felt should be theirs and not yours. You do such lovely work.