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.

Ellen | @helenfrances | Jun 17, 2020
In reply to @parus "@gailb Yes I am still here just not participating as much. Glad to see you a..." + (show)
@parus

@gailb Yes I am still here just not participating as much. Glad to see you a re back at the easel. I am thankful to have my pencils and paper to keep me distracted. I recently tried liquid graphite along with graphite sticks. Loved the liquid graphite as it sped up the process. This is 24" x 18" on 140# watercolor paper which was created standing at an easel-is short sessions.

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You are gifted. Beautiful shading ...
I do not want to run into this guy or is it a female!

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fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Jun 18, 2020
In reply to @gailb "@parus I'm happy to hear that you are cancer free Parus. I wasn't aware you'd had..." + (show)
@gailb

@parus
I'm happy to hear that you are cancer free Parus. I wasn't aware you'd had cancer before. I took a hiatus from Connect while I campaigned for our Representative here--he was successfully elected in 2018. I'm now back as a Volunteer Mentor again, and I'm happy to see you are here still.

I wanted to let you know that you inspired me to paint again. Although I haven't been very disciplined about doing it on a regular basis, I did paint the oil of my husband that is attached here. Now a friend has asked me to paint a picture for her birthday in July, so I'll do that.

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@gailb, Wow! I am so inspired by the artistic talent you and others share on this site. Maybe in the next life? vbg

@parus, I didn't know you'd had cancer either, Parus, but am celebrating your new "cancer free" report! Yes!

How lovely that one of the benefits of these Connect groups is the inspiration that comes from the participation and sharing with one another. Now would one of you please send me an artistic vibe or two if you can spare them????

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1 reply
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Jun 18, 2020
In reply to @parus "@gailb Yes I am still here just not participating as much. Glad to see you a..." + (show)
@parus

@gailb Yes I am still here just not participating as much. Glad to see you a re back at the easel. I am thankful to have my pencils and paper to keep me distracted. I recently tried liquid graphite along with graphite sticks. Loved the liquid graphite as it sped up the process. This is 24" x 18" on 140# watercolor paper which was created standing at an easel-is short sessions.

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@Parus, You talented woman! Can't help but wonder if our "close cousin" is as befuddled as I at watching all those rushing out to resume "normal" activities. Although it appears to be some rays of sunshine coming through, your baby seems to be cringing in a bit of disbelief? Or maybe it is just in the eye of the beholder? Either way, thank you for sharing your gift with us!

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Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jun 18, 2020
In reply to @fiesty76 "@gailb, Wow! I am so inspired by the artistic talent you and others share on this..." + (show)
@fiesty76

@gailb, Wow! I am so inspired by the artistic talent you and others share on this site. Maybe in the next life? vbg

@parus, I didn't know you'd had cancer either, Parus, but am celebrating your new "cancer free" report! Yes!

How lovely that one of the benefits of these Connect groups is the inspiration that comes from the participation and sharing with one another. Now would one of you please send me an artistic vibe or two if you can spare them????

Jump to this post

@fiesty76 We are all artists, in some way. Never doubt yourself, challenge yourself!
Ginger

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2 replies
Ellen | @helenfrances | Jun 20, 2020
In reply to @gingerw "@fiesty76 We are all artists, in some way. Never doubt yourself, challenge yourself! Ginger" + (show)
@gingerw

@fiesty76 We are all artists, in some way. Never doubt yourself, challenge yourself!
Ginger

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I do solemnly swear that I will practice the piano✋🏼
And I cannot wait for our senior chorus to resume practice!
Someone said: “When you sing, you pray twice.”
I will “sing one” for all connect friends.

“Gray skies are going to clear up. Put on a happy face.”🤗

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woogie | @woogie | Jun 20, 2020
In reply to @parus "@gailb Yes I am still here just not participating as much. Glad to see you a..." + (show)
@parus

@gailb Yes I am still here just not participating as much. Glad to see you a re back at the easel. I am thankful to have my pencils and paper to keep me distracted. I recently tried liquid graphite along with graphite sticks. Loved the liquid graphite as it sped up the process. This is 24" x 18" on 140# watercolor paper which was created standing at an easel-is short sessions.

Jump to this post

That is fantastic! I can't even draw a heart, circle or stick man! God gives us all gifts. I am still wondering what mine is!

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1 reply
Mentor
Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jun 20, 2020

Today I am grateful that the rock feature that I wanted in the front yard is nearing completion. My husband told me if that is what I want, I have to build it myself. So, I scribed a 9' diameter circle, marked it out with lawn edging, sprayed weed/grass killer, laid weed barrier, and have been hauling rocks by the cartful from the edges of our property. It is about 64 square feet to cover, no more than 4 cartfuls a day. The largest I hauled and placed is about 50 pounds. The stone is a combination of volcanic rock, river rock, and a shale-type stone that fractures easliy. Rusts, grays, browns all combine to be pleasing to my eye. A few more days... a few more days
Ginger

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1 reply
lioness | @lioness | Jun 20, 2020

@gingerw I.m cheering you on at your age you are doing great . I could do till I reached the 70's then started to slow down a little . Keep it up go girl .

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fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Jun 20, 2020
In reply to @gingerw "@fiesty76 We are all artists, in some way. Never doubt yourself, challenge yourself! Ginger" + (show)
@gingerw

@fiesty76 We are all artists, in some way. Never doubt yourself, challenge yourself!
Ginger

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@gingerw, What a lovely sentiment to share. Yes, we all have talents and can be grateful for what we are able to do. However, it never hurts to aspire or wish for a few more, yes? Smiles

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Parus | @parus | Jun 20, 2020

@fiesty76 And if wishes were horses beggars would ride. I wish I could still do all the things I once did such as hauling rocks to build a long ago herb garden. I have learned that wishing only exhausted me as there are things that are beyond my reach and accepting this has helped me appreciate the accomplishments of others much, much more.
@gingerw "You go girl!!!" I wrecked my body doing those type of things. Do be careful-please. My limit is now 10 lbs. and I respect those limits. Your project sounds delightful!!! When I have a cup of tea you come to mind. Hot and humid here in Hoosierville. I have started having my little scamp over again via the patio rather than the main doors to spare them the face masks. Works for me. My best medicine. He is 5 going on 20. Last week we did chalk drawings on the patio.
A special back yard treat this year has been a pair of Eastern Bluebirds.

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