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.

@migizii

@migizii. On a long drive today with my sister, we played a new “car game”…….What are you grateful for from A to Z. We shared as many things as we could think of at each letter and we completed our game 6 1/2 hours later!😊❤️

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That sounds like a wonderful thing to do when traveling! A very thorough list of what you are grateful for!

I also have so much to be grateful for. This week I am grateful for the new job that is going very well, for my daughter who is goes to be giving birth to her 4th baby any day now, and for my husband who is always there for me whether I am going to the hospital or decide to move across the country.

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@migizii

@migizii. On a long drive today with my sister, we played a new “car game”…….What are you grateful for from A to Z. We shared as many things as we could think of at each letter and we completed our game 6 1/2 hours later!😊❤️

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What a great idea, @migizii !

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I am grateful for my faith as it strengthens me when I feel weak. I'm grateful for friends who encourage me when I feel down. I'm grateful for Mayo Connect that has provided cyber friendships from all over the world😊

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@sueinmn

Today I am grateful for all the skilled and caring medical practitioners - from the schedulers and wheelchair pushers to the nurses, technicians and doctors. All of them have been working, and continue to work, under incredibly difficult circumstances. Yet they do it with a kind greeting, a smile, and a sincere effort to help. I have seen and talked to many this week, and have yet to have anyone be rude, dismissive or uncaring. I am humbled, awed and grateful.
Sue

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Amen to your statement. May God bless those folks. They are the heros!

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Today I am grateful for my husband, who is always here for me and the kids. For example, last night he was nailing trim and caulking our daughter's shed until dark, so she can safely store things this winter! Just one of many.
Sue

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@johnbishop

Interesting to see what popped into my email this morning from Dr. Amit Sood's Resilient Option website subscription for Year of Healing 2021 Day 83...

Here is your insight and suggested practice for today:
-- Insight: We can't inhale without exhaling or exhale without inhaling. Similarly, we can't give without receiving or receive without giving. It's a circle.
-- Suggested Practice: Think of the many ways you can be grateful for the help you were able to give.

Also an short audio file for the day on the site - https://www.resilientoption.com/year-of-healing

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I am grateful you posted this link, I signed up and really enjoy the daily insights.

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Today I am very grateful for my husband. Soon I will be facing going on to kidney dialysis, and am opting for at-home peritoneal dialysis. My husband has jumped right on-board to help me figure out what will work for us, the set-up, and various suggestions. Yes, some days I just want to rest, but I try to keep a smile in my voice as he interrupts me with more information. Truly a keeper!
Ginger

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Thought I’d better write something or everyone would think I’m totally ungrateful! Not me! My husband and i went to Denver to have lunch with our son and his wife. Had a wonderful time! On the way home we talked about how grateful we are to have 2 wonderful sons. And 2 wonderful DILs! Were so lucky

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@gingerw

Today I am very grateful for my husband. Soon I will be facing going on to kidney dialysis, and am opting for at-home peritoneal dialysis. My husband has jumped right on-board to help me figure out what will work for us, the set-up, and various suggestions. Yes, some days I just want to rest, but I try to keep a smile in my voice as he interrupts me with more information. Truly a keeper!
Ginger

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@gingerw. Oh Ginger, I'm SO sorry to hear you'll be going on dialysis soon. Life can be so unfair. I've always admired your pluck and positive attitude, so I hope you can make this new adaptation to your life just another (big and difficult) adventure in your journey to manage your health. 😊 I'm so happy you have that wonderful man at your side. Warm thoughts going your way. Laurie

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@becsbuddy

Thought I’d better write something or everyone would think I’m totally ungrateful! Not me! My husband and i went to Denver to have lunch with our son and his wife. Had a wonderful time! On the way home we talked about how grateful we are to have 2 wonderful sons. And 2 wonderful DILs! Were so lucky

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@becsbuddy Becky, you've just reminded me to say how grateful I am for my three sons and their wives, plus my four young adult grandchildren (and four very young great-grandchildren). This family of mine is SO supportive, each and every one of them. They're so loving, so helpful, so generous in every way. I'm very blessed. Gratefully, Laurie

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