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.

lioness | @lioness | Mar 10, 2019

@debbraw Doesn't it feel good to get the paperwork out of the way so you can get onto more important things

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Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Mar 10, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "Well, my R&R yesterday worked out so well yesterday that today I felt like tackling all..." + (show)
@debbraw

Well, my R&R yesterday worked out so well yesterday that today I felt like tackling all of the finances associated with my knee surgery. I don't know about the rest of you, but I can be a real procrastinator when it comes to paper work. The envelopes from Mayo and from the insurance and from Medicare come in the mail and I promptly pile them into a neat pile on my desk awaiting the time when I feel like I can handle them. Today was that day! I am so grateful that the stars aligned - I had the energy and time and inclination to sort out all the financial stuff and now its organized, bills paid, checks deposited, all GOOD!!

@contentandwell - I don't want to leave this post w/o letting you know how thrilled I was to hear about your visit to your brother. I know that was an absolutely uplifting time for him and his wife and for you. It made me happy! Thanks for sharing.

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@debbraw You sound just like me! I love to put off bills! Last week I got the 3rd bill for my PET/CT so I called the company ‘s budget dept. of course I only got a leave message . On my 3rd call when I got the same message, I left them a message saying the bill must not be important because they had never called me back. Still have heard from them! Now the bill has just joined the pile on my chair! If they billed my secondary insurance, they would have been paid by now. Oh well.

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Mar 10, 2019

Today I am grateful that there was enough muscle strength in my legs to stand and cut material for about 3.5 hrs with only one break. I cut 10" foundation blocks from various pieces of muslin and neutral material. Then some strips of patterned material, with a lot more to go. I have three projects in mind right off the bat that will be using strips. Then I'll get back into charity sewing. I am ashamed at my fabric stash, it is so huge! Trying mightily for a "no buy" year.
Ginger

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lioness | @lioness | Mar 10, 2019
In reply to @gingerw "Today I am grateful that there was enough muscle strength in my legs to stand and..." + (show)
@gingerw

Today I am grateful that there was enough muscle strength in my legs to stand and cut material for about 3.5 hrs with only one break. I cut 10" foundation blocks from various pieces of muslin and neutral material. Then some strips of patterned material, with a lot more to go. I have three projects in mind right off the bat that will be using strips. Then I'll get back into charity sewing. I am ashamed at my fabric stash, it is so huge! Trying mightily for a "no buy" year.
Ginger

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@When I stand that long I know it later I take it you can't resist fabric I,'ll be praying for you to haha

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Mar 11, 2019

Today I had a long and heartfelt conversation with my step-daughter. It was so positive and it made me grateful for our whole extended family - biological kids, step kids, in-laws and out-laws. I treasure them all. I think that maybe that's what is meant by "it takes a village". I know I couldn't do without any of ours.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 13, 2019

@debbraw- Extended families give a different dimension to the word family! I am so glad that you have a positive relationship. I have an excellent relationship with my step-son. It does take a village.

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Mar 13, 2019

Feeling grateful that I worked a full day today - my first full day since my knee surgery on 1/29. And it went very well - not much discomfort from sitting at the desk. I'm really feeling hopeful that I'm really on the road to recovery!

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lioness | @lioness | Mar 13, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "Feeling grateful that I worked a full day today - my first full day since my..." + (show)
@debbraw

Feeling grateful that I worked a full day today - my first full day since my knee surgery on 1/29. And it went very well - not much discomfort from sitting at the desk. I'm really feeling hopeful that I'm really on the road to recovery!

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@debbraw So happy for you 😊

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Mar 14, 2019

I think some of you know that my husband and I have struggled with his cognitive impairment which is tipping precariously toward dementia. Actually, it probably already IS dementia even though we have not had that definitive diagnosis. Anyway, I found a Caregivers Support Group for this that meets at our Council on Aging. Today I went to my first support group meeting and it was EXCELLENT. I can't tell you what a relief it was to talk to people who were dealing with the same issues I am. They were caring, supportive, knowledgeable and welcoming. I am SO SO grateful that I am practically in tears.

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Mar 14, 2019

@debbraw Such wonderful news. I’m so glad the caregivers group was a positive experience! Sounds like just what you need. Keep going and use your skills to help others while they help you! Becky

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