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 | Sep 12, 2019
In reply to @gingerw "@lioness No pet; besides, I would not want them to stay in the car while I..." + (show)
@gingerw

@lioness No pet; besides, I would not want them to stay in the car while I am in the dr office for a couple of hours. I am sussing out radio stations. And have a stick with over 900 songs on it, courtesy of my husband - he's techy like that! House gets an additional influx of boxes every 4-6 weeks when he brings another load up, so it is a fun thing to arrange items only to rearrange after next load. My craft area is set up except for my worktable [he is using it as dining table until he comes up].

@contentandwell I really do love this area. It is so peaceful and healing. I have had two people volunteer to drive me up and back if I need another kidney biopsy and my husband cannot be here. Very kind of them!

@sandij We have bought our retirement house in a small [pop. 867] town in rural Oregon.
Ginger

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@gingerw Sounds lovely . I lived in rural Pa and loved it so know the feeling . Then we had a Mt. cabin know one around us for 8 miles loved it

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Mamacita, Alumna Mentor | @mamacita | Sep 12, 2019
In reply to @gingerw "Today I am grateful for my new care team. Having moved almost 800 miles away to..." + (show)
@gingerw

Today I am grateful for my new care team. Having moved almost 800 miles away to a new state, in the middle of a health crisis, seemed so counterintuitive. But the plans for the move were made [new home purchase for retirement, someone has to live in it, not rent it out] before the issues reared their collective head. I have two new specialists, in a town 115 miles drive each way. Having now met with them both, we are proceeding to additional testing to determine what exactly is going on. It is certain I have Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, but the stage will be determined by bone marrow biopsy next week, and genetic testing to figure out what type of lymphoma it is. Complicating that is my kidney disorder that has reared its head. The team is considering if and how the two may be connected. I am patiently [okay, maybe not real patiently!] waiting to see what everything points to before a care plan is discussed. It is exhausting to do the drive, have the appts then drive back. Three weeks in a row I will be making that drive. Yesterday was week one of three [two weeks ago was the first trip up]. Keeping my mind from awfulizing things but also looking at the realities is also tiring.
Ginger

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@gingerw , you have got to be one determined lady. All my prayers, love and light sent your way. You deserve the best. Your kind and caring heart has won so many of us over. Please know that we are here for you.
Mamacita Jane

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Sep 13, 2019

@mamacita This entire community of Mayo Connect is right behind me, supporting me at each step. Who could ask for more?
Ginger

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Sep 13, 2019

I’m grateful for getting 8 hours of sleep even if it did take 3 days.
Jake

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Sep 13, 2019

And I’m so grateful that my 96yr old mother has a clean bill of health (for her bladder cancer) and I’ve been been felling good for 4 days in a row!

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lioness | @lioness | Sep 14, 2019

@becsbuddy Glad you are feeling better from those blessing days hope they keep it up

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Parus | @parus | Sep 15, 2019

@hopeful33250 I am grateful to you for introducing me to biggeekdad as it has provided me with lots of laughter as well as some helpful information. This morning I viewed "The Three Little Pigs" by comedian John Branyan. I laughed and still chuckle at the thought of it. Sounds so like me at times. His delivery is excellent. Worth the watch if you have not seen this one. Thanks again cyber friend!!!

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Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Sep 15, 2019

I haven't been grateful for awhile and it is showing in my life. Trust me. Today I am grateful for the fact that my husband (who has dementia) gave his truck to his son and gave up his driver's license this weekend. Now, he hasn't driven in many, many months, but at this point he has made peace with the fact that he will not drive again. It's a real milestone for us and I am beyond grateful for the fact that I didn't have to be the "bad guy". It was his decision and he made the right one.

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Sep 15, 2019
In reply to @debbraw "I haven't been grateful for awhile and it is showing in my life. Trust me. Today..." + (show)
@debbraw

I haven't been grateful for awhile and it is showing in my life. Trust me. Today I am grateful for the fact that my husband (who has dementia) gave his truck to his son and gave up his driver's license this weekend. Now, he hasn't driven in many, many months, but at this point he has made peace with the fact that he will not drive again. It's a real milestone for us and I am beyond grateful for the fact that I didn't have to be the "bad guy". It was his decision and he made the right one.

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@debbraw
I’m sorry to hear about your hubby. I think it’s always difficult for a guy to give up driving. I’m watching daily for my license to be revoked after my series of seizures. Best of luck to you both.
Jake

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Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Sep 15, 2019
In reply to @parus "@hopeful33250 I am grateful to you for introducing me to biggeekdad as it has provided me..." + (show)
@parus

@hopeful33250 I am grateful to you for introducing me to biggeekdad as it has provided me with lots of laughter as well as some helpful information. This morning I viewed "The Three Little Pigs" by comedian John Branyan. I laughed and still chuckle at the thought of it. Sounds so like me at times. His delivery is excellent. Worth the watch if you have not seen this one. Thanks again cyber friend!!!

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Nice to hear from you. I'm glad that you've found some humor, @parus. I'll check out "The Three Little Pigs" by comedian John Branyan. I could use a laugh right now as well!

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