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.

karen00 | @karen00 | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@ 1 degree here this AM @parus and @karen00. Just a dusting of snow, probably because..." + (show)
@merpreb

@ 1 degree here this AM @parus and @karen00. Just a dusting of snow, probably because of the ferocious winds. But didn't lose any power! How is it for you this AM?

Jump to this post

@merpreb Hey Merry! Well it’s pretty cold here (for us!) high in the 30’s today. But it’s a beautiful blue sky with no clouds. No winds, we’re lucky! Where exactly are you?

REPLY
1 reply
Parus | @parus | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @jakedduck1 "@parus Well okay if you say so. Actually as I look over them some are down..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

@parus
Well okay if you say so. Actually as I look over them some are down right adorable. I should be so cute.
Jake

Jump to this post

@jakedduck1 😂

REPLY
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 31, 2019

We have had thunder and lightning, hail, and downpours of liquid sunshine (otherwise known as rain) today. It is raining fairly steady outside right now. We desperately need the water, but the fire scarred areas do not. The mountains are getting a pretty good snowpack so that is always a good thing to do help the aquifers' water tables. Time for a cup of hot tea!
Ginger

REPLY
1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @karen00 "@merpreb Hey Merry! Well it’s pretty cold here (for us!) high in the 30’s today. But..." + (show)
@karen00

@merpreb Hey Merry! Well it’s pretty cold here (for us!) high in the 30’s today. But it’s a beautiful blue sky with no clouds. No winds, we’re lucky! Where exactly are you?

Jump to this post

Hey karen00- southern RI near the shore

REPLY
karen00 | @karen00 | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@lioness- I agree. Am working on it." + (show)
@merpreb

@lioness- I agree. Am working on it.

Jump to this post

@merpreb Hi Merry, just wanted to tell you about my mood today. It’s easy to confuse with depression, but I believe it’s anger. I don’t know where my brother and I will be living in a couple of months. He’s been out of work. This no money stuff is quite scary. I am struggling to hold it together. Anyway, I guess I just wanted to chime in and “pretend” that all is ok with me! Thanks for reading this!.....Karen

REPLY
2 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @karen00 "@merpreb Hi Merry, just wanted to tell you about my mood today. It’s easy to confuse..." + (show)
@karen00

@merpreb Hi Merry, just wanted to tell you about my mood today. It’s easy to confuse with depression, but I believe it’s anger. I don’t know where my brother and I will be living in a couple of months. He’s been out of work. This no money stuff is quite scary. I am struggling to hold it together. Anyway, I guess I just wanted to chime in and “pretend” that all is ok with me! Thanks for reading this!.....Karen

Jump to this post

@karen00- can you afford a small apt? I'm sure that you are angry, and scared. What can I do to help you?

REPLY
2 replies
karen00 | @karen00 | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @merpreb "@karen00- can you afford a small apt? I'm sure that you are angry, and scared. What..." + (show)
@merpreb

@karen00- can you afford a small apt? I'm sure that you are angry, and scared. What can I do to help you?

Jump to this post

Hi @merpreb, Merry, just keep supporting me! That’s what you can do! There have been so many things stressing me and I don’t know how to go on. It’s been an especially bad year and a half. With financial problems and illness (I was diagnosed with heart failure-but the drs say it’s not the bad kind and I had a clot in my lungs plus I’m fighting extreme lymphedema in my legs plus my fibro is on a warpath with me). I’m sure the stress is contributing to my physical problems but there’s nothing I can do about it. Anyway, thanks so very much for your kind words!

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 31, 2019

Hello @karen00
So sorry to hear of your financial problems. The "no money" situation is terribly worrisome. Do you or your brother qualify for unemployment or other forms of public assistance? Have you talked with a social worker, on the county level, to see what might be available for you in the way of low cost apartments or financial help?
Keep in touch with Connect and let me know how you are doing.

REPLY
3 replies
karen00 | @karen00 | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @hopeful33250 "Hello @karen00 So sorry to hear of your financial problems. The "no money" situation is terribly..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

Hello @karen00
So sorry to hear of your financial problems. The "no money" situation is terribly worrisome. Do you or your brother qualify for unemployment or other forms of public assistance? Have you talked with a social worker, on the county level, to see what might be available for you in the way of low cost apartments or financial help?
Keep in touch with Connect and let me know how you are doing.

Jump to this post

@hopeful33250 Hi Teresa, I feel bad that I let all that out. I’m used to hiding things. I tried to get a social worker and reached a voice mail which told me to leave certain info and I would get a call back in THIRTY DAYS!!! I am on disability due to the fibro. I appreciate you writing to me-if you are a praying person, please do so for us!

REPLY
2 replies
lioness | @lioness | Jan 31, 2019
In reply to @gingerw "We have had thunder and lightning, hail, and downpours of liquid sunshine (otherwise known as rain)..." + (show)
@gingerw

We have had thunder and lightning, hail, and downpours of liquid sunshine (otherwise known as rain) today. It is raining fairly steady outside right now. We desperately need the water, but the fire scarred areas do not. The mountains are getting a pretty good snowpack so that is always a good thing to do help the aquifers' water tables. Time for a cup of hot tea!
Ginger

Jump to this post

@gingerw rain stopped her but I'm having ☕ too

REPLY
View MoreView Less
Please sign in or register to post a reply.