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 31, 2019

In reply to @karen00 "@hopeful33250 Hi Teresa, I feel bad that I let all that out. I’m used to hiding..." + (show)

Hi @karen00, Please don't feel bad about "letting it all out." That which we "hold-in" is more destructive to us emotionally. It may seem uncomfortable to let it out, but no doubt it is healthier.

I'm not sure if you live in an urban or rural area, but you could also see if Salvation Army could help or St. Vincent dePaul, United Way, etc. If you or your brother are involved in a church community, there might be some avenues of help or guidance there as well.

Yes, I'll certainly pray for you.

lioness | @lioness | 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)

@karenOO If like to chime in Karen have you thought of going to talk to social services or some kind of government agency?

lioness | @lioness | Jan 31, 2019

Grateful for the liquid sunshine ,thunder and lightning today .We don't get much of this here Having White Cheddar Popcorn with my Chai tea

lioness | @lioness | 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 Have you heard how Debbrah is doing ?I think her knee surgery was Tues?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 31, 2019

In reply to @lioness "@hopeful33250 Have you heard how Debbrah is doing ?I think her knee surgery was Tues?" + (show)

@lioness
Thanks for checking on her. Have not heard from her. As I recall, she was planning on taking a few days off until the pain subsided.

karen00 | @karen00 | Jan 31, 2019

In reply to @lioness "@karenOO If like to chime in Karen have you thought of going to talk to social..." + (show)

@lioness. Hi lioness, we just moved here. My brother thought it would be easier to get a job here. Unfortunately, I think his age is working against him (58). Anyway, I tried to get set up with a social worker and made a call. The voice message said they’d get back in touch with me in THIRTY days! So I wait. Everything appears hopeless and I feel that I’m losing my faith. Thanks so much for caring enough to write! ...........Karenq

lioness | @lioness | Jan 31, 2019

In reply to @karen00 "@lioness. Hi lioness, we just moved here. My brother thought it would be easier to get..." + (show)

@karen00 Ave does make a difference it is tough between 50-62 ,65when you retire I know been there I,ok keep praying for you my list is getting longer ,let us know how you are doing somehow something will drop up ,keep searching

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jan 31, 2019

If you don't hear from me after tomorrow I may not have survived the ordeal I'm seriously considering undertaking. I was looking over some lentil recipes and saw one I might try. It's a bit involved and it scared me off at first but I went back to it and want to try it. If I make it through ok and I post don't be surprised if I'm a little out of sorts, that's why. Just ignore me or tell me to shit up. Just a warning. Anyway, here is the recipe. What do you think? Should I go for it or is it too much to tackle.

ingredients
1/2 medium onion, finely chopped (about 1 cup)
1/2 medium green bell pepper, chopped (about 1/2 cup)
4 cloves garlic, chopped
3/4 cup brown lentils
3/4 cup long-grain brown rice
3 cups vegetable broth
1 can (15-ounce) petite diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (4-ounce) diced green chilies
1 tablespoon taco or other Southwestern seasoning blend
2 teaspoons dried oregano (preferably Mexican)
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon salt
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
2 cups shredded cheese (Monterey Jack, Pepperjack or white Cheddar), divided
Get Ingredients Powered by Chicory
directions
Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Combine all ingredients, except the cheese, in a deep 8 x 8-inch glass or ceramic baking dish and mix well. Cover with aluminum foil and bake 1 1/2 hours, stirring once while the mixture is baking.

Remove the foil, stir in half the cheese and place the remaining cheese over the top.

Return to oven (uncovered) and bake until cheese has melted, approximately 20 minutes. Allow to stand 10 minutes before serving.

Guess I can't use the brown minute rice?
I'll get the onion already chopped and the cheese grated. Can you get chopped garlic and bell pepper?

Thanks kids,
Jake

lioness | @lioness | Jan 31, 2019

In reply to @jakedduck1 "If you don't hear from me after tomorrow I may not have survived the ordeal I'm..." + (show)

@jakedduck1 Sounds good Leonard good luck after your done have a glass of chamomile tea to relax you In my oven is lasagna

Parus | @parus | Jan 31, 2019

In reply to @karen00 "@hopeful33250 Hi Teresa, I feel bad that I let all that out. I’m used to hiding..." + (show)

@karen00 Navigating social services can be daunting. Have you tried the county trustee? Fibromyalgia is not for wimps. Be sure to be gentle with yourself.