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 | Jan 14, 2020
In reply to @contentandwell "@merpreb. I buy the high quality dark bars - at least 72% - at Whole Foods,..." + (show)
@contentandwell

@merpreb. I buy the high quality dark bars - at least 72% - at Whole Foods, whichever brand is on sale that week. I break the bars into sections and put them in a small covered dish. I generally have some after breakfast.
Dark chocolate is very good for you but because of calories they say not more an ounce a day. I must admit, on many days I’m closer to two ounces.

@jakedduck1 Leonard, my mother loved dark chocolate so I’ve been eating it since was a child.

@gingerw. Really? That is strange. I love both jewelry but don’t love shopping, it’s simply a means to an end, I realize at this point in my life I DO NOT need any more jewelry. I do love good, comfortable shoes that also are attractive. There are some good comfort brands that are making cute shoes now. Even my daughter has some Clark’s!
Shoes are one of the few articles of clothes that I will splurge on if they are comfortable.
JK

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@contentandwell
I’m with you on the dark chocolate and the jewelry and only shop for clothes when I need to. But I do spend the money on good quality shoes and sneakers. Your feet are holding up the rest of you. Bad cheap footwear can equal bad backs. I have a bunion on one foot and sometimes it’s hard to find a dressy comfortable shoe. Still have the most comfortable boots and hiking shoes that are 20 years old. Not too many cold days or mountains here in Florida. And I bring my dark chocolate with me when I travel...you never know....

FL Mary

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imallears | @imallears | Jan 14, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@gingerw- I agree-something is very very wrong with you. I think that you have to stop..." + (show)
@merpreb

@gingerw- I agree-something is very very wrong with you. I think that you have to stop accumulating diseases and start shopping and accumulating a new wardrobe. There is nothing like a new top or outfit, new shoes then a piece of chocolate to get you through your new make-over. We'll both be in Rochester early this year so we can explore the shops, salons and shoe stores. I will be there to guide you and help pick out things. Don't worry, I'm with you on this. It's actually painless and reduces stress. How else may I help my friend?

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@merpreb
Oh wow...wish I could be with you and I would pick out the restaurants and select from the wine lists.....sounds like a perfect day....so conducive to good mental health

FL Mary

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 14, 2020

@imallears- Would I get to pick out the wine I wanted?

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1 reply
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 14, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@gingerw- I agree-something is very very wrong with you. I think that you have to stop..." + (show)
@merpreb

@gingerw- I agree-something is very very wrong with you. I think that you have to stop accumulating diseases and start shopping and accumulating a new wardrobe. There is nothing like a new top or outfit, new shoes then a piece of chocolate to get you through your new make-over. We'll both be in Rochester early this year so we can explore the shops, salons and shoe stores. I will be there to guide you and help pick out things. Don't worry, I'm with you on this. It's actually painless and reduces stress. How else may I help my friend?

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@merpreb You make me laugh! When I pack for a trip, I spend a lot of time figuring what projects to take along, little time as to clothes. I dress for comfort, not fashion. This has helped me fit right in here in this new little town, which is a good thing!
Ginger

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 14, 2020

Today I am grateful for no need to go anywhere. It snowed overnight, and is still coming down pretty good. Schools are on snow day timeline, and may cancel altogether soon. Lost our satellite signal for TV, but internet remains up, thank goodness. Snow is sticking. We are at 1400' elevation, and interstate nearby is all but closed due to the ice, and even more snow. Thank goodness for heat and hot tea!

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2 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Jan 14, 2020
In reply to @gingerw "Today I am grateful for no need to go anywhere. It snowed overnight, and is still..." + (show)
@gingerw

Today I am grateful for no need to go anywhere. It snowed overnight, and is still coming down pretty good. Schools are on snow day timeline, and may cancel altogether soon. Lost our satellite signal for TV, but internet remains up, thank goodness. Snow is sticking. We are at 1400' elevation, and interstate nearby is all but closed due to the ice, and even more snow. Thank goodness for heat and hot tea!

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Stay warm. Hope that you have a nice day. lol

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1 reply
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 14, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "Stay warm. Hope that you have a nice day. lol" + (show)
@merpreb

Stay warm. Hope that you have a nice day. lol

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@merpreb Sewing on comfort quilts for infusion center. If power goes out, there is crocheting, or artwork, or reading. Oh, and keeping the kitter-cat warm. She loves to snuggle in my sweatshirt, while I am wearing it.
Ginger

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imallears | @imallears | Jan 14, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@imallears- Would I get to pick out the wine I wanted?" + (show)
@merpreb

@imallears- Would I get to pick out the wine I wanted?

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@merpreb
Hello,

Absolutely you can pick what wine to drink as long as I approve.😉 I do so appreciate someone who loves and
knows their wine. As for dressing for a trip as @gingerw mentioned, I opt for fashionable comfort. If I don’t look good I don’t feel good...probably a little vanity there. Would rather spend more money for one classic outfit that I know I will always love rather than a few pieces that are just okay. You all know you have clothes that you choose all the time over the other ones hangin in your closet. Going to have lunch at the beach now and will let @jakeduck1 know what I ate.

FL Mary

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3 replies
JK | @contentandwell | Jan 14, 2020
In reply to @imallears "@merpreb Hello, Absolutely you can pick what wine to drink as long as I approve.😉 I..." + (show)
@imallears

@merpreb
Hello,

Absolutely you can pick what wine to drink as long as I approve.😉 I do so appreciate someone who loves and
knows their wine. As for dressing for a trip as @gingerw mentioned, I opt for fashionable comfort. If I don’t look good I don’t feel good...probably a little vanity there. Would rather spend more money for one classic outfit that I know I will always love rather than a few pieces that are just okay. You all know you have clothes that you choose all the time over the other ones hangin in your closet. Going to have lunch at the beach now and will let @jakeduck1 know what I ate.

FL Mary

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@imallears I really miss my wine-drinking days and visiting wine country in CA -- Napa, Sonoma, San Luis Obispo, Pasa Robles, Santa Barbara, and even Temecula! Back then someone gave me a sign that said "Wine Diva". I really learned a lot about the process and enjoyed learning about it almost as much as drinking it. It was difficult to give away so many choice wines when I was told I could not drink anymore. I never was a heavy drinker (well, maybe the day in Temecula I was. Being a fairly new AVA they were pouring many "tastes". My son became the designated driver!) but the one glass with dinner was so enjoyable, a nice way to mellow out at the end of the day.

Also, because I always wear comfortable shoes my feet have no bunions, corns, calluses or any of that. I've had pedicurists tell me I have "baby feet"!
We are going to Denver the first weekend in February. Yes, I will be packing some dark chocolate bars.

@merpreb If @gingerw doesn't want to shop and enjoy a day like you describe, meet me in Boston and we can!
JK

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1 reply
lioness | @lioness | Jan 14, 2020
In reply to @gingerw "Today I am grateful for no need to go anywhere. It snowed overnight, and is still..." + (show)
@gingerw

Today I am grateful for no need to go anywhere. It snowed overnight, and is still coming down pretty good. Schools are on snow day timeline, and may cancel altogether soon. Lost our satellite signal for TV, but internet remains up, thank goodness. Snow is sticking. We are at 1400' elevation, and interstate nearby is all but closed due to the ice, and even more snow. Thank goodness for heat and hot tea!

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@gingerw OH those good old days I relish them when we got snowed in and go play in it fun and invigorating.

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