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.

@jakedduck1

HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone.
Sad day for me. My Mom passed a year ago today.
I'm grateful for Connect and everyone on it.
I'm grateful for my ice cream bars small as they are
(5/8 oz).
Take care,
Jake

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Write your Mom a poem?

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@healthytoday

Write your Mom a poem?

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@jakedduck1 Im sorry has it been a year I remember when you told us . I know its hard the first year but it will get a bit easier now Have some dk chocolate maybe that will console a little . Take care Jake

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@jakedduck1

HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone.
Sad day for me. My Mom passed a year ago today.
I'm grateful for Connect and everyone on it.
I'm grateful for my ice cream bars small as they are
(5/8 oz).
Take care,
Jake

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It's so hard when holidays coincide with the death of a loved one! It truly gets easier over time.
To me it is always the day we had our last large gathering with my Dad (22 years ago now) when he had cancer. By Christmas he was only able to manage a few of our large family at a time. As time has passed, it has become a day of remembrance - I see the cupboards he helped me refinish, and all the little things he made for my comfort. I think of him at the head of the "big table" (we had 4 that year) just taking in all the noise and craziness. I remember him arguing football - Dallas vs Minnesota - with my niece's boyfriend. And I picture him later in the recliner, with the littlest grandkids on his lap.
Blessings to you as you continue to heal.
Sue

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I am not so sure about the death of a loved one getting easier. I am grateful for some loved ones now gone and the memories. Others departed leaving open wounds that thus far have not healed. I have come to accept the truth and why those now gone made the choices they did and the paths they traveled. It worked for them and got them through life. There are those leaving a mark and it is now my choice to accept thus and to not accept their blaming and damning. My knowledge head knows things that my feeling part struggles with and it has shaped my life in many ways as well as opening my eyes to the carnal nature.
Holidays past for some bring back happy memories. Anniversaries can be difficult and sneak up with feelings that can be overwhelming and also new to us as to where we are now.
@jakedduck1 And don't you dare drown your lose in chocolate. There are those who have been where you are now.

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@sueinmn

Today I am grateful for our health care system. However much we like to complain, and whatever shortcomings there might be, good care has given me my life back. And finding a great new eye doc for my husband has given him a new attitude - his rapidly worsening vision is from cataracts, which will be fixed beginning next week, so now he is living with hope, not fear.
Sue

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@sueinmn So thankful to hear your hubby is now living with hope!!! Cataract surgery has so improved. So hap-hap-happy to hear.

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@jakedduck1

HAPPY THANKSGIVING everyone.
Sad day for me. My Mom passed a year ago today.
I'm grateful for Connect and everyone on it.
I'm grateful for my ice cream bars small as they are
(5/8 oz).
Take care,
Jake

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@jakedduck1 Leonard, the day of a loved one's passing can be sad, as you know, as we are still here to remember them. It can also be a day of gladness they are no longer in need or pain. It all tempers out. If I may, recall your mom with fondness and love, grateful for the years you had to spend with her, the lessons taught to you by her [by word or deed]. Write her a letter, a poem like @healthytoday suggested. Create a tradition to remember her.
Ginger

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I'm very grateful for my Connect friends.
I am immensely grateful for my pumpkin pie. I just finished a piece and I’m still licking my chops. I desperately want another piece but I have enough willpower to refrain, I hope. I had the most scrumptious looking cake at Costco and I battled with my conscience but my conscience one out.
Had I won out I would’ve had all five major food groups on hand. I would’ve been a happy camper indeed. I am eager to go to our new cookie store tomorrow and see what they have to offer, hopefully I can use a little more self-control than I did at the candy store.
Take care,
Jake

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@jakedduck1

I'm very grateful for my Connect friends.
I am immensely grateful for my pumpkin pie. I just finished a piece and I’m still licking my chops. I desperately want another piece but I have enough willpower to refrain, I hope. I had the most scrumptious looking cake at Costco and I battled with my conscience but my conscience one out.
Had I won out I would’ve had all five major food groups on hand. I would’ve been a happy camper indeed. I am eager to go to our new cookie store tomorrow and see what they have to offer, hopefully I can use a little more self-control than I did at the candy store.
Take care,
Jake

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You like sugar. Hope you just spit it out of enjoying the sensation in your mouth. You waste line will thank you. And no, it's not wasteful since it's not food, just sugar.

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@jakedduck1

I'm very grateful for my Connect friends.
I am immensely grateful for my pumpkin pie. I just finished a piece and I’m still licking my chops. I desperately want another piece but I have enough willpower to refrain, I hope. I had the most scrumptious looking cake at Costco and I battled with my conscience but my conscience one out.
Had I won out I would’ve had all five major food groups on hand. I would’ve been a happy camper indeed. I am eager to go to our new cookie store tomorrow and see what they have to offer, hopefully I can use a little more self-control than I did at the candy store.
Take care,
Jake

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@jakedduck1 I too have a soft spot for sweets. Missed out on pumpkin pie but managed to get apple pie. Now I'm interested in what fabulous cookies you will purchase. Enjoy

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@marjou

@jakedduck1 I too have a soft spot for sweets. Missed out on pumpkin pie but managed to get apple pie. Now I'm interested in what fabulous cookies you will purchase. Enjoy

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@marjou
I'm interested in what kind of cookies they have too. I hope they have my favorites, white chocolate macadamia nut, snickerdoodles & maple.
my brothers leg has been getting darker and darker. He went to emergency yesterday and he has a blood clot in his lower leg. The doctor mentioned there is a possibility it may have to be amputated. However there is collateral circulation around the clot. I'm very worried about him. I'm off to get some pumpkin pie.

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