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
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Mar 14, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "I think some of you know that my husband and I have struggled with his cognitive..." + (show)
@debbraw

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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@debbraw Wonderful to hear! You can't be there for your husband if you can't understand, and gain strength from others to help you deal with all of this. And you have us all here at the side door table, to boot ;))
Ginger

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lioness | @lioness | Mar 14, 2019

@debbraw Happy to hear that care group was helpful your cyber friends are hear for you if you want to talk

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JK | @contentandwell | Mar 14, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "I think some of you know that my husband and I have struggled with his cognitive..." + (show)
@debbraw

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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@debbraw What a difference in a situation like yours to find a supportive group that understands what you are going through. I am so happy for you that found this group.
JK

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karen00 | @karen00 | Mar 14, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "I think some of you know that my husband and I have struggled with his cognitive..." + (show)
@debbraw

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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@debbraw Hi Debbra, I want you to know how much I admire you for finding gratitude in your situation! I have been following you and think it’s great that you can find an excellent situation to help you!!!!!!!...........Karen

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 15, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "I think some of you know that my husband and I have struggled with his cognitive..." + (show)
@debbraw

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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@debbraw- I am very sorry to hear this. When our spouses are sick it's just heart breaking. I'm glad that you found a supportive group.

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Parus | @parus | Mar 15, 2019

@debbraw Thankful you have found support as it helps so much. Helps me know you have been helped. Thank you for sharing.

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Parus | @parus | Mar 15, 2019

Grateful pulled shoulder muscle is improving-no more PT since a therapist did thus wanting to stretch my neck/ shoulder muscles. TMJ also getting better. Had me scared I will admit.

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Mar 17, 2019

Wow, thank you all so much for your warm and caring comments. It means so much to have my cyber friends here - you all truly ARE a support group! I'm immensely grateful for that.

And I'm grateful for a wonderful weekend where I took off Friday and did a spa day, then spent Saturday going to a play called "Girls Weekend" with a bunch of my women friends in town. We capped it off with a little happy hour - and it made for a full and fun weekend.

Happy St. Patricks Day!!

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cjtimmerman | @cjtimmerman | Mar 17, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "@cjtimmerman - What a great recommendation. I checked out that group. Right this minute I'm kind..." + (show)
@debbraw

@cjtimmerman - What a great recommendation. I checked out that group. Right this minute I'm kind of overwhelmed with social media, but I may join it in the future. I looks like a really positive group! I don't want to pry but I'm hoping your cancer treatments are going well? Do you feel like giving an update? I'm really impressed with your positive attitude and resilience. Thanks for the recommendation.

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@debbraw Actually, I'm feeling the healthiest I have in a long time. After having 4 cancer diagnoses in just over a 2 year period, and then having a proactive hysterectomy due to uterine issues that could have potentially lead to a 5th cancer, I have now just passed my 1 year anniversary without having a new cancer diagnosis. Because Melanoma and Lymphoma can rear their heads any time, I continue to be diligent with skin checks and blood work, and have begun eating much better as a way to help further improve my life and health. I continue to focus on living in the moment and trying to enjoy the life I do have, since tomorrow is not promised to any of us! Happy Sunday!

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Parus | @parus | Mar 17, 2019

St. Patrick’s Day was a good day. Didn’t do much as still taking things easy from pulled shoulder muscle, etc.
A long time back I tried to get residents interested in meeting in the common room to color. It went nowhere. Suggested thus again. We are now doing so and enjoying some social life.
Grateful to have some cooperation, laughter and company. Think those long gray days of winter helped some?
Feeling good about helping others feel good too. Loneliness is not healthy.

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