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.

imallears | @imallears | Oct 9, 2019
In reply to @jakedduck1 "I was out of food and my friend shows up with food. Another friend is coming..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

I was out of food and my friend shows up with food. Another friend is coming over in a day or two to cook. Talk about grateful!
Jake

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@jakeduck1
How have you been doing ? Are you appealing the DMV decision? As for food, was wondering if you can now get meals on wheels. You have great friends. Can one of them give you a ride to the store? You and mom shouldn’t have to run out of food.

FL Mary

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1 reply
Mentor
Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Oct 9, 2019
In reply to @jakedduck1 "I was out of food and my friend shows up with food. Another friend is coming..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

I was out of food and my friend shows up with food. Another friend is coming over in a day or two to cook. Talk about grateful!
Jake

Jump to this post

You are blessed with good friends, @jakedduck1! I can understand that you are grateful.

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Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Oct 9, 2019
In reply to @imallears "@jakeduck1 How have you been doing ? Are you appealing the DMV decision? As for food,..." + (show)
@imallears

@jakeduck1
How have you been doing ? Are you appealing the DMV decision? As for food, was wondering if you can now get meals on wheels. You have great friends. Can one of them give you a ride to the store? You and mom shouldn’t have to run out of food.

FL Mary

Jump to this post

@imallears
I should know in 2 weeks if I get my license back. If denied I’ll appeal on Nov 6.
I’ve never had a lawyer at a DMV hearing but my seizure levels were down and when they go down so do I. Other times when my levels were normal I never fought the suspensions.
Meals on Wheels isn’t going to happen. The County runs the program here now and are much stricter. I talked with a supervisor and his supervisor and he said if you have food in the house you don’t qualify. If you can use a computer or are not housebound we wouldn’t qualify. Since I’m my moms caregiver we don’t qualify. They think I can cook, I should invite them to dinner but I’d probably be charged with attempted murder.
My friends are definitely top notch. They will do anything anytime although when I needed to go to ER there wasn’t a friend or enemy to be had. I still raze them about that. Sadly my friend pool is diminishing but I guess that’s common when most of your friends are older I’m no spring chicken myself.
Jake

.

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3 replies
imallears | @imallears | Oct 9, 2019
In reply to @jakedduck1 "@imallears I should know in 2 weeks if I get my license back. If denied I’ll..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

@imallears
I should know in 2 weeks if I get my license back. If denied I’ll appeal on Nov 6.
I’ve never had a lawyer at a DMV hearing but my seizure levels were down and when they go down so do I. Other times when my levels were normal I never fought the suspensions.
Meals on Wheels isn’t going to happen. The County runs the program here now and are much stricter. I talked with a supervisor and his supervisor and he said if you have food in the house you don’t qualify. If you can use a computer or are not housebound we wouldn’t qualify. Since I’m my moms caregiver we don’t qualify. They think I can cook, I should invite them to dinner but I’d probably be charged with attempted murder.
My friends are definitely top notch. They will do anything anytime although when I needed to go to ER there wasn’t a friend or enemy to be had. I still raze them about that. Sadly my friend pool is diminishing but I guess that’s common when most of your friends are older I’m no spring chicken myself.
Jake

.

Jump to this post

@jakeduck1
Keeping fingers crossed for you. Maybe they would feel sorry for you if you showed them a picture of one of your disasters like cooking steak in a toaster.

FLMary

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Oct 9, 2019
In reply to @jakedduck1 "@imallears I should know in 2 weeks if I get my license back. If denied I’ll..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

@imallears
I should know in 2 weeks if I get my license back. If denied I’ll appeal on Nov 6.
I’ve never had a lawyer at a DMV hearing but my seizure levels were down and when they go down so do I. Other times when my levels were normal I never fought the suspensions.
Meals on Wheels isn’t going to happen. The County runs the program here now and are much stricter. I talked with a supervisor and his supervisor and he said if you have food in the house you don’t qualify. If you can use a computer or are not housebound we wouldn’t qualify. Since I’m my moms caregiver we don’t qualify. They think I can cook, I should invite them to dinner but I’d probably be charged with attempted murder.
My friends are definitely top notch. They will do anything anytime although when I needed to go to ER there wasn’t a friend or enemy to be had. I still raze them about that. Sadly my friend pool is diminishing but I guess that’s common when most of your friends are older I’m no spring chicken myself.
Jake

.

Jump to this post

@jakedduck1 Leonard, there are so many stores that do delivery, the fact that presently you do not have a driving privilege cannot be considered a deterrent, in the County's eyes. I imagine that may be their reasoning, anyways.
We'll be curious to hear what happens in two weeks.
Ginger

REPLY
karen00 | @karen00 | Oct 10, 2019
In reply to @parus "@karen00 Thank you and I understand the silent cheerleader thing as I fall into this category..." + (show)
@parus

@karen00 Thank you and I understand the silent cheerleader thing as I fall into this category too. I have wondered if things had improved for you and if you still had a home or if you and your brother were homeless. I have been MIA and not keeping up with things. Your caring is appreciated.

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@parus Hi Parus, I’ve been MIA, too. My brother got a PT job, so we are not homeless. Things are still dicey, though. Thank you for remembering me. I’ve been on a new pain medicine which is really helping, but putting me in a fog. I guess it’s too much to ask for perfection! I’d rather be in a fog than in pain! That’s why my communications have been sporadic. Anyway, I just wanted to touch base with you and let you know I’m still here, still thinking of you!......Karen

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smilie | @smilie | Oct 10, 2019

Hi, I still don’t know how to post! Oh well. I’m great full for finding out who really loves me!!!!

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Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 10, 2019
In reply to @jakedduck1 "@imallears I should know in 2 weeks if I get my license back. If denied I’ll..." + (show)
@jakedduck1

@imallears
I should know in 2 weeks if I get my license back. If denied I’ll appeal on Nov 6.
I’ve never had a lawyer at a DMV hearing but my seizure levels were down and when they go down so do I. Other times when my levels were normal I never fought the suspensions.
Meals on Wheels isn’t going to happen. The County runs the program here now and are much stricter. I talked with a supervisor and his supervisor and he said if you have food in the house you don’t qualify. If you can use a computer or are not housebound we wouldn’t qualify. Since I’m my moms caregiver we don’t qualify. They think I can cook, I should invite them to dinner but I’d probably be charged with attempted murder.
My friends are definitely top notch. They will do anything anytime although when I needed to go to ER there wasn’t a friend or enemy to be had. I still raze them about that. Sadly my friend pool is diminishing but I guess that’s common when most of your friends are older I’m no spring chicken myself.
Jake

.

Jump to this post

@jakedduck1 It just all sounds so difficult! But, it does sound like you have great friends! Maybe these friends would go to the grocery and get a supply of ready-made meals. They are usually near the deli section. (Be sure to give your friends $$,though.) I’ve tried them and they’re good. Becky

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Mentor
Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Oct 16, 2019

I am grateful for the love of my horse, Chester, who helped me rehab after spine surgery. He's a likeable guy who will steal carrots out of my pocket. He wasn't very fond of crossing a flowing creek, and a little happiness munching a carrot that I got out of the saddle bag was enough motivation for him, and he walked right through the flowing water. This was on a ride where we were out alone, and a lot of horses don't want to do that. They are herd animals who want the safety of other horses in their company. Riding a horse, if done correctly, helps build core strength which supports the spine and just by riding at a walk, I have to compensate for the horse's movements which mimic my own and we have to stay in sync together. We have enjoyed many trails together and learned to trust each other.

I would also like to thank a local magazine in my area for featuring a story about the recovery of my painting ability after spine surgery. They chose the paintings and a photo of me with my horse for the story which they called, "Victorious." I love that! Here is a short video I made to show the Country Magazine spread, and a link to the online content. I've also posted my Mayo patient story since the article talks about about my surgery at Mayo and recovery. Enjoy!

Country Magazine article
https://jwcdaily.com/countrymag/2019/10/03/victorious/

My Mayo Clinic Patient Story
https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/

REPLY
1 reply
Mentor
Becky, Volunteer Mentor | @becsbuddy | Oct 16, 2019
In reply to @jenniferhunter "I am grateful for the love of my horse, Chester, who helped me rehab after spine..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

I am grateful for the love of my horse, Chester, who helped me rehab after spine surgery. He's a likeable guy who will steal carrots out of my pocket. He wasn't very fond of crossing a flowing creek, and a little happiness munching a carrot that I got out of the saddle bag was enough motivation for him, and he walked right through the flowing water. This was on a ride where we were out alone, and a lot of horses don't want to do that. They are herd animals who want the safety of other horses in their company. Riding a horse, if done correctly, helps build core strength which supports the spine and just by riding at a walk, I have to compensate for the horse's movements which mimic my own and we have to stay in sync together. We have enjoyed many trails together and learned to trust each other.

I would also like to thank a local magazine in my area for featuring a story about the recovery of my painting ability after spine surgery. They chose the paintings and a photo of me with my horse for the story which they called, "Victorious." I love that! Here is a short video I made to show the Country Magazine spread, and a link to the online content. I've also posted my Mayo patient story since the article talks about about my surgery at Mayo and recovery. Enjoy!

Country Magazine article
https://jwcdaily.com/countrymag/2019/10/03/victorious/

My Mayo Clinic Patient Story
https://sharing.mayoclinic.org/2019/01/09/using-the-art-of-medicine-to-overcome-fear-of-surgery/

Jump to this post

@jenniferhunter I love this! And so we’ll deserved. Remember, I said that you had inspired me to return to my quilting? Well, I’m still trying. I have lots of ideas, but I can’t seem to make them come to life. 😑 I promise I’ll send a picture of my ‘journey’ quilt. Thanks for all you do. Becky

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