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.

Parus | @parus | Dec 1, 2018

I am thankful that the Firo Malic arrived today. Rain here today.

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 1, 2018

Today I am thankful for being able to participate in Rose Parade float decorating for the Donate Life float. My hands cooperated, allowing me to cut stems off cobra leaves and statice petals off their flower. As always, we met several very neat people, got to see behind the scenes once again, and talked to other volunteers about their lives. The forecast storm has held off for now, a plus for those cleaning up debris from the last one.
Ginger

rosegold | @rosegold | Dec 1, 2018

I think that is neat. Floats are beautiful and take a lot of time and work. Wish I could of seen that float.😊

Parus | @parus | Dec 1, 2018

In reply to @rosegold "I think that is neat. Floats are beautiful and take a lot of time and work...." + (show)

@rosegold Brings back high school days and all of the tissue and chicken wire. Thank you for the memory.

Parus | @parus | Dec 1, 2018

In reply to @gingerw "Today I am thankful for being able to participate in Rose Parade float decorating for the..." + (show)

Thank you for sharing about this. Fun knowing someone that is helping with a Rose Parade float.

jodeej | @jodeej | Dec 1, 2018

In reply to @gingerw "Today I am thankful for being able to participate in Rose Parade float decorating for the..." + (show)

That sounds like so much fun. It's love to do it someday!

karen00 | @karen00 | Dec 1, 2018

In reply to @rosegold "@00karen How are you doing today?😊" + (show)

@rosegold. Hi Rosegold! I want to be honest - it’s been rough and I don’t know why. This morning it felt like my knee was getting better, but suddenly I had a sharp pain, and now it’s bad again and hard to walk. Plus I’ve cried for no reason. I don’t even know how to explain it. Maybe there’s a weather front coming through. How are you? Ever have days like this? (P.S. thanks for caring)

lioness | @lioness | Dec 1, 2018

In reply to @gingerw "Today I am thankful for being able to participate in Rose Parade float decorating for the..." + (show)

@ginger That is so much fun I cut stems flowers and such for the Cal-Poly float years ago when my son lived in Pasadena I,ll look for your float on parade day

cjtimmerman | @cjtimmerman | Dec 1, 2018

I'm grateful I found this post today. I started my gratitude practice in June 2017 after being diagnosed with cancer. It has made so much difference in my outlook!!

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Dec 1, 2018

@karen00 - I so totally understand what you are saying. I have days like that for sure! I had a knee replacement in April 2017 and everything went great. But a couple of weeks ago, I started having twinges and discomfort which keep me from being able to walk my usual morning walks - about 2 miles. I have been so down in the dumps about it. Don't even worry about not be able to explain - it's just depressing and exhausting when you have mobility issues. I too have thought/hoped it was the weather. Lets keep going for that! Hope things improve for you. Have you tried the CBD oil? Some people over in the joint replacement group rave about it. I haven't tried it but I'm thinking about it.