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.

Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Feb 26, 2019
In reply to @pearlbaby7 "One thing I used to do when I was working and probably need more now, is..." + (show)
@pearlbaby7

One thing I used to do when I was working and probably need more now, is to save thank you notes, print out those emails of appreciation or acknowledgement of accomplishments and put them in a book or large envelope or box. When you feel that you're not accomplishing enough, or really dark days like I sometimes have when I question my current or future value, take that box out and remind yourself that you are of value and accomplish goals. Even small ones add up.
I'm also a list maker. It focuses me and when I mark something off I can see an accomplishment.

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@pearlbaby7 I love your idea of saving notes of appreciation and acknowledgment!! Such a great idea! Good to read when you’re down. Maybe I should SEND more notes, too! Thanks

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1 reply
Lyn | @pearlbaby7 | Feb 26, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "@pearlbaby7 I love your idea of saving notes of appreciation and acknowledgment!! Such a great idea!..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@pearlbaby7 I love your idea of saving notes of appreciation and acknowledgment!! Such a great idea! Good to read when you’re down. Maybe I should SEND more notes, too! Thanks

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I like your idea of being more conscious of sending notes!

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Feb 26, 2019
In reply to @parus "@merpreb Hahaha. 6 month wellness visit with primary today. No idea which NP, MD, PA or..." + (show)
@parus

@merpreb Hahaha. 6 month wellness visit with primary today. No idea which NP, MD, PA or whatever I will see. So stressful. Potlucks in medical health stresses me. Their laptop infuriates me. Their guide to keeping me healthy and watching the minutes tick by. When I see their hand reach toward the laptop lid I know time is up. The future now present. Argh. Dreading it. Need to work on my attitude. Mouse in a maze in search of morsel of cheese. Time to go soak my head. I am worth something.

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@parus Healthcare today! An ordeal! My doctor said that they hate the laptops as much as we do—especially if you’re not a technology geek. It’s all about insurance! Least we have healthcare!

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2 replies
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Feb 26, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "Today I read something that really resonated with me. It said we should find gratitude in..." + (show)
@debbraw

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...

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@debbraw I love your statement finding gratitude in our challenges. It really made me stop and think. Life’s a challenge, but it would be boring if there were no challenges. Challenges only make us stronger!

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

@becsbuddy- Life would be pretty boring without them!

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Feb 26, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "@parus Healthcare today! An ordeal! My doctor said that they hate the laptops as much as..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@parus Healthcare today! An ordeal! My doctor said that they hate the laptops as much as we do—especially if you’re not a technology geek. It’s all about insurance! Least we have healthcare!

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@parus and @becsbuddy- This is true. When the drs log into the computer for each patient insurance companies can see their billable hours.

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Parus | @parus | Feb 26, 2019

My gratitude needs a boost. Current primary is leaving due to illness in the family. The other one was also on medical leave and left for the same reason. 🤔
Back to finding someone else. Sheesh and groan. Not today y’all. So weary of the hoops, changes, insurance. Doctors are no longer allowed to be doctors. So, 😞

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2 replies
Parus | @parus | Feb 26, 2019
In reply to @becsbuddy "@parus Healthcare today! An ordeal! My doctor said that they hate the laptops as much as..." + (show)
@becsbuddy

@parus Healthcare today! An ordeal! My doctor said that they hate the laptops as much as we do—especially if you’re not a technology geek. It’s all about insurance! Least we have healthcare!

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@becsbuddy We sure do! With all of the hoops there may be less medical care professionals. Working on my gratitude.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Feb 26, 2019
In reply to @parus "My gratitude needs a boost. Current primary is leaving due to illness in the family. The..." + (show)
@parus

My gratitude needs a boost. Current primary is leaving due to illness in the family. The other one was also on medical leave and left for the same reason. 🤔
Back to finding someone else. Sheesh and groan. Not today y’all. So weary of the hoops, changes, insurance. Doctors are no longer allowed to be doctors. So, 😞

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@parus- Oh No! What a pain. Did she recommend anyone?

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Feb 26, 2019
In reply to @parus "My gratitude needs a boost. Current primary is leaving due to illness in the family. The..." + (show)
@parus

My gratitude needs a boost. Current primary is leaving due to illness in the family. The other one was also on medical leave and left for the same reason. 🤔
Back to finding someone else. Sheesh and groan. Not today y’all. So weary of the hoops, changes, insurance. Doctors are no longer allowed to be doctors. So, 😞

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@parus I hope the practice can give you some recommendations for a new primary doctor. Or does that leave any doctor there? It's difficult to find a doctor who works with you hand in hand especially when there are chronic issues. Is there anybody you know who trusts their doctor that would recommend them? That's how I found the one I am using in this new town. I asked one of the gals at my prayer shawl group for who she goes to; I am in that practice with the main doctor now. I still am a bit dismayed when I see the EOB come from Medicare for visits to him. Good luck on finding a new doctor. Hope that everything else went well for you today.
Ginger

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