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.

Parus | @parus | Feb 25, 2019

@pearlbaby7 Glad you stopped by for a fill-up on gratitude.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 25, 2019

Today I am grateful for the sunshine and clear blue skies. On my way into the police department I listened to the doves in their soft morning talk as they greeted their day, also. I am grateful for this young cat who reminds me that you just gotta take time to play every day, actually several times a day, and it's just the smallest things that make you can make you smile.
Ginger

Lyn | @pearlbaby7 | Feb 25, 2019

In reply to @parus "@pearlbaby7 Glad you stopped by for a fill-up on gratitude." + (show)

Me, too!

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Feb 25, 2019

Today I read something that really resonated with me. It said we should find gratitude in our challenges. That really made me think long and hard about how I've been looking a gratitude. I had been thinking more like "what makes me happy today" vs. "what is contributing to my progress and well-being." Anyway, with that in mind, today I am grateful for physical therapy. To say its a challenge is an understatement. It hurts, I have to force myself to do it every single day, and when it's over I'm sore and grumpy until I sit with ice on my knee for 20 minutes. But I'm grateful for the fact that PT has resulted in me getting full extension of my left knee and 128 degrees of flexion - which is just about where I was BEFORE the surgery. I'm grateful for the progress and I'm grateful for the discipline and structure PT brings to may days of recuperation. And I'm especially grateful for the kind and caring attention I had from my in-home physical therapist and now my outpatient therapist. It takes a special kind of person!

One more thing: @pearlbaby7 - I was so touched by your beautiful account of your neighbor's kindness. That was one of those posts that just made my day. Your neighbor sounds like a beautiful person and it's clear she values you. I LOVE your Morse code jewelry idea. I bet she was thrilled to death with that gift. Did you have health issues that kept you from eating or was it more of a logistical problem? Sounds like a happy resolution anyway...

Lyn | @pearlbaby7 | Feb 25, 2019

In reply to @debbraw "Today I read something that really resonated with me. It said we should find gratitude in..." + (show)

I have trouble getting motivated to cook for just myself. I've also had trouble using the stove, oven and even the microwave without burning myself.
I am inspired by your gratitude for your PT. My case manager has been trying to get me to go places other than just the doctors'. If I look at it from your point of view on PT maybe I can get out the door. Thank you!

Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Feb 25, 2019

In reply to @pearlbaby7 "I haven't followed any group for awhile but when this group started I appreciated the posts...." + (show)

@pearlbaby7 WOW! You have hit the neighbor jackpot! She must be an incredibly kind person and you must be very special to have inspired such kindness.

lioness | @lioness | Feb 25, 2019

@pearlbaby7 What a wonderful neighbor lucky you

Parus | @parus | Feb 26, 2019

Grateful to still be ambulatory and to still be able to drive short distances.

Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Feb 26, 2019

In reply to @gingerw "Today I am grateful for the sunshine and clear blue skies. On my way into the..." + (show)

@gingerw and @parus- You both have a way with words that make me stop and think, and sigh with the wind and the darkness of the past being kept in the past! I am thankful for meeting you both.

Parus | @parus | Feb 26, 2019

Still working on not allowing the past to cast dark wing clouds on the present. So much I want to accomplish and so many creative ideas. My mind is zooming and not in a healthy place. Self chastisement for not being as strong as I would like to be. Telling self to calm down. I can see my shadow climbing the walls and ceiling.
@merpreb Thankful to have met others who can meet on common ground. The