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.

jodeej | @jodeej | Jan 29, 2019
In reply to @parus "@jodeej I have learned something and I thank you." + (show)
@parus

@jodeej I have learned something and I thank you.

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You are welcome! 🙂

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JK | @contentandwell | Jan 29, 2019
In reply to @lioness "@contentandwell My friend in PA said it was -13 in Pa" + (show)
@lioness

@contentandwell My friend in PA said it was -13 in Pa

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@lioness and I thought NH was bad! It is supposed to be cold here again on Thursday but that is the day when we are flying to Denver. Hopefully, Denver won't be too cold. If it is we will stay in - we are visiting our son so will be staying in his house. The important thing is not where we are but whom we are with.
JK

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1 reply
JK | @contentandwell | Jan 29, 2019
In reply to @lioness "@hopeful33250 I know but had to throw that in .No even here just eastern people chuckle..." + (show)
@lioness

@hopeful33250 I know but had to throw that in .No even here just eastern people chuckle at rain ,as soon as a few sprinkles start ,most from Western States stay in. When I had my car I wouldn't go on roads because of drivers I,ll behave

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@lioness My son and I were just talking about how people have become such weather wimps! A little bit of snow and everyone panics. When I was young people still went about their business. I don't recall my father ever not going to work because of snow, and the ironic thing is that now we all have four-wheel drive cars so they are supposed to be better in the snow! Back then it was just snow tires.
JK

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3 replies
jodeej | @jodeej | Jan 29, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@lioness and I thought NH was bad! It is supposed to be cold here again on..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@lioness and I thought NH was bad! It is supposed to be cold here again on Thursday but that is the day when we are flying to Denver. Hopefully, Denver won't be too cold. If it is we will stay in - we are visiting our son so will be staying in his house. The important thing is not where we are but whom we are with.
JK

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So true!

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jodeej | @jodeej | Jan 29, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@lioness My son and I were just talking about how people have become such weather wimps!..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@lioness My son and I were just talking about how people have become such weather wimps! A little bit of snow and everyone panics. When I was young people still went about their business. I don't recall my father ever not going to work because of snow, and the ironic thing is that now we all have four-wheel drive cars so they are supposed to be better in the snow! Back then it was just snow tires.
JK

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My dad hauled eggs and cream for the town creamery. He got snowed in over night at a restaurant in the middle of no where one time! He did get home the next day, thankfully.

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Parus | @parus | Jan 29, 2019

How about some positive energy on this cold winter’s day as the wolf’s head wind howls outside?
My being assertive did get me a referral to ortho where I had been before for X-rays. It was in my file with primary but no one had looked and were following routine protocol. Again-yeah team!!
Now to bounce back from trauma to jaws at routine cleaning with family dentist. It cannot be helped and part of keeping my mouth healthy medically speaking. 😉
I am grateful for a positive comment on my end.

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Parus | @parus | Jan 29, 2019
In reply to @contentandwell "@lioness My son and I were just talking about how people have become such weather wimps!..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@lioness My son and I were just talking about how people have become such weather wimps! A little bit of snow and everyone panics. When I was young people still went about their business. I don't recall my father ever not going to work because of snow, and the ironic thing is that now we all have four-wheel drive cars so they are supposed to be better in the snow! Back then it was just snow tires.
JK

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@contentandwell So true!! Why moan and groan over something we have no control over. I think of major disasters due to nature and wonder why the whining over an inch of snow?? I fortunately do not have to venture out. Maybe I am being self-centered. No ice on the trees, the utility lines in these high winds. I even put sunflower seeds out where they are accessible to the squirrels.

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jan 29, 2019
In reply to @parus "@jodeej We Hoosiers are in for windchills of -30 to -40 below. At @jakedduck1 Yes, we..." + (show)
@parus

@jodeej We Hoosiers are in for windchills of -30 to -40 below. At @jakedduck1 Yes, we know you would likely die. Count your blessings. 😉
I find it a comfort to know I am not looking for a bed in a homeless shelter. I am thankful.

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@jodeej
@parus
Man alive, or dead in my case. I’d instantaneously flash freeze there. You kids sure had me fooled. I always thought you kids were so intelligent. Guess I’ll be giving that thought a good re-think. Talk about the elevator not going to the top, you kids don’t even have a staircase living in that environment, lol. You all must have mighty fine jobs to endure such brutal weather conditions. The coldest in the US, according to weather.com is 80 below north of Fairbanks and in the lower US 70 below in Montana. You certainly have gained my respect for living in such harsh conditions. Yesterday my cousin called from Mt Shasta, it was 2 degrees with a forecasted high of 19. Probably sounds like paradise to some of you kids.
What type heat do you all have. I have natural gas, very cheap compared to electricity.
Sounds like a day to stay in bed.
Keep warm kids!!!
Jake

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jan 29, 2019
In reply to @elizabethzimmermann "If being thankful spurs us to action, here's a list of tips for helping the homeless:..." + (show)
@elizabethzimmermann

If being thankful spurs us to action, here's a list of tips for helping the homeless: https://www.mnn.com/lifestyle/responsible-living/blogs/9-ways-you-can-help-the-homeless

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My heart goes out to the homeless. I got acquainted with a homeless family and invited them over for food, showers and laundered thsir clothes. I filled their car with gas and loaned them $100 which they paid back. They went to LA and both got good jobs. A very rewarding experience indeed. I highly recommend volunteering at a homeless shelter sometime. It’s a rewarding fulfilling experience.
Blessings to all,
Jake

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