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.

I’m grateful my mom wasn’t hurt more seriously when she fell yesterday. I couldn’t get to her quickly enough. She broke her shoulder. At least she didn’t require surgery. Very grateful for that. Her first broken bone. She’ll be 89 in July.
Jake

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@jakedduck1

I’m grateful my mom wasn’t hurt more seriously when she fell yesterday. I couldn’t get to her quickly enough. She broke her shoulder. At least she didn’t require surgery. Very grateful for that. Her first broken bone. She’ll be 89 in July.
Jake

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@jakedduck1 Ouch! Hope she is not in too much pain!
Ginger

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@gingerw

@jakedduck1 Ouch! Hope she is not in too much pain!
Ginger

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@ginger
Hi kids,
Thank you for your concern. It really means everything to us. At times like this I wish we were back in the day when your doctor came to your house and did whatever was necessary. Now you need referrals from insurance companies, doctors approvals from so many different people, records of every description, then if your lucky enough to get the right person to dot all the i’s, cross all the t’s, check all the boxes and sign and initial the boatload of forms then maybe just maybe someone will call with an appointment in a month or so and if the patient is still alive the doctor will probably say “I might have been able to help her if you had brought her in sooner.” I think tomorrow I’ll tell the whole lot exactly where they can go.......Sorry but I’m a bit frustrated.
My friend was here when she fell and said she’d stay as long as necessary. Another friend came over food flowers and gift in tow. How wonderful to have such amazing friends. I never asked anything of any of them yet offers to help keep coming except from the medical community. My mom was telling me yesterday when she had appendicitis she called the doctor and he came to the house, took her to the hospital and within an hour or so he was in surgery removing her appendix. All done before sunrise. No insurance crap, no referrals, no appointments, no interrogation and only one signature. I’ll take the good old days over technology any day. Back when people came first. The price of technology and all the grief that comes with is too high a price to pay if you know what I mean.
I just remembered I bought my mom some flowers yesterday and a few groceries but just now remembered them. Guess the foods bad now but by the time I got through with it, it would be bad anyway. It’s almost 3am here so better get the flowers in a vase so she’ll see them first thing.
Sorry, I just needed to rant a bit.
Thanks again,
Jake

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@debbraw

What I am grateful for: I found a drycleaner that will wash my precious king size quilt for $19.99. It wouldn't fit in my washing machine and this was the highlight of my day.

What I am NOT grateful for: When I dropped off my quilt, someone stole my handicap tag of my rear-view mirror. Granted, I should have locked the car door and didn't. Granted, I am reaching all of my walking goals after my knee replacement and I really don't need the handicapped spot. In fact, at the grocery store, I don't even use it because I think someone might need it more than me. But really? What kind of low life steals a handicap tag? I would not want that kind of karma coming back at me!

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The world seems to have more of these types than anything else. I agree with what kind of low-life would do such a thing. Thing is the thief likely trashed it feeling proud for not getting caught.
So oft it is like thus. Sad there are people that enjoy stealing just for the high. Those type likely never heard of karma.

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@jakedduck1

I’m grateful my mom wasn’t hurt more seriously when she fell yesterday. I couldn’t get to her quickly enough. She broke her shoulder. At least she didn’t require surgery. Very grateful for that. Her first broken bone. She’ll be 89 in July.
Jake

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@jakedduck1 Ow! Your poor Mom. I'll keep her in my thoughts as she heals. It's wonderful to see how people show their support. You and your mom are blessed to be surrounded by good friends.
Jen

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@gingerw

Today I am grateful for end of the workday. This morning the paving company started the project of replacing the concrete swales in the common driveway plus jackhammering/haul off/replacement of the asphalt in our complex. Lots of noise and vibration, which prompted a massive headache. I am homebound for three days due to non-access to our garage. Blessed quiet until tomorrow morning.
Ginger

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@gingerw Just reading your words is all I needed to understand the long awaited silence. Hugs.

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@parus

Endeavoring to be grateful for antibiotics.

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@parus I do hope these antibiotics work. I too have a hard time taking them. I feel worse taking them.
Jen

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@debbraw

What I am grateful for: I found a drycleaner that will wash my precious king size quilt for $19.99. It wouldn't fit in my washing machine and this was the highlight of my day.

What I am NOT grateful for: When I dropped off my quilt, someone stole my handicap tag of my rear-view mirror. Granted, I should have locked the car door and didn't. Granted, I am reaching all of my walking goals after my knee replacement and I really don't need the handicapped spot. In fact, at the grocery store, I don't even use it because I think someone might need it more than me. But really? What kind of low life steals a handicap tag? I would not want that kind of karma coming back at me!

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@debbraw Be sure to report the theft to your local police and the DMV. If it was a temporary permit placard, and the thief uses it after the expiration, you will get the ticket if you haven't reported it. And, shame on that person!
Ginger

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@jakedduck1

I’m grateful my mom wasn’t hurt more seriously when she fell yesterday. I couldn’t get to her quickly enough. She broke her shoulder. At least she didn’t require surgery. Very grateful for that. Her first broken bone. She’ll be 89 in July.
Jake

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@jakedduck1- Oh no! That's terrible. My mom had Parkinson disease and she fell even when I was standing right next to her. I very rarely could catch her. I am sure that you got to her as soon as you could.

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Good morning everyone- Even if the wind is galing at warp speed I'm grateful that the sun is out.

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