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.

lioness | @lioness | Jan 13, 2019

In reply to @jakedduck1 "@lioness Sure, rub it in!!! lol Jake" + (show)

@jakedduck1 lol

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 13, 2019

In reply to @parus "@hopeful33250 Most of the time the jet stream takes it farther north. We can get blasted..." + (show)

I lived in Indianapolis for a few months years ago. I recall that when they had just a little snow the whole town shut down. They just didn't know what to do with their snow. I hope that has improved by now. Muskegon is a nice area, did you enjoy it?

Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Jan 13, 2019

In reply to @jodeej "@hopeful33250 the wedding is in May. It will be towards the middle of the park, so..." + (show)

Sounds great, @jodeej~

Debbra Williams, Alumna Mentor | @debbraw | Jan 14, 2019

I am so grateful to have my son visiting for a long weekend. His wife had a migraine and was not able to travel and we're missing her, but we've spent the last couple of days just staying in, eating good food, and catching up. He leaves tomorrow so I'm not going to have much of a presence here until afterwards, but just know I'm enjoying every minute!

@jodeej - so happy to hear about your husband's speech therapy. My husband didn't have much success with that route, but I'm interested in how it goes for your husband and his cognitive issues. Keep me posted, please. If you have good luck, I might try to re-visit that approach.

@contentandwell - JK, I agree with you on city-dwelling. We lived in Boston at the Devonshire on the 39th floor - sweeping views of the Charles River, looking down on the Old State House, a block from Fanueil Hall... It was one of the most enjoyable periods of our life. I love living in St. Augustine, FL now... but nothing compares with the energy of city life!

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 15, 2019

Today I am grateful that my primary care doctor moved my appt from late this afternoon to first thing this morning! That means that I will not have to be out in the heavy rains that are expected later on today. We have had several days of on and on rain with more coming today and tomorrow. The local ski resorts are ecstatic.
Ginger

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jan 15, 2019

@gingerw
Oh my gracious, real honest to goodness rain, actual drops not just mist or drizzle? I’ve been awake since 3am and heard about 6 drops of what they call rain here. Three hundredths of an inch of rain is expected, California’s idea of a Storm. Jeepers, I didn’t realize we were in for a monsoon, better breakout the ol life raft. If it hangs on till tomorrow I’ll have to start work on an ark. We’ve had 2.55” of rain this season, Death Valley has had 2.36.”
Enjoy your rain and hopefully some hail too?
Jake

Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Jan 15, 2019

In reply to @jakedduck1 "@gingerw Oh my gracious, real honest to goodness rain, actual drops not just mist or drizzle?..." + (show)

@jakedduck1 California is technically a desert. Not sure what the prediction is today, but at this point, any rain bears multi-sided blessings. Rain is desperately needed due to drought conditions that have existed for many years. Meanwhile, there are burn scars from recent fires. Rain falling on those areas create mudslides and debris flow which can bring more property destruction and closed roads. Up in the hills we have snow. Great for the ski areas, not so great for Interstate 5 that was closed for part of yesterday. Silly drivers on the road at any day or time but give them less than perfect conditions and watch out! The rain in Death Valley may or may not create Super Bloom of wildflowers this spring.
Ginger

Leonard | @jakedduck1 | Jan 15, 2019

In reply to @gingerw "@jakedduck1 California is technically a desert. Not sure what the prediction is today, but at this..." + (show)

@gingerw
Hey there Ginger,
Yea I heard the Grapevine was closed.
Are you blessed with living in this dust bowl too. Someone here lives in Mt Shasta, are you the one? Your right, if Californian’s don’t have perfect crystal clear weather people drive, (or attempt to drive) like lunatics.
Jake

lioness | @lioness | Jan 15, 2019

@jakedduck1 It's crazy how native Calif think 1-2 inches is horrible when you,ve lived where it pours and you have to drive in it you learn winter/rain driving

Parus | @parus | Jan 15, 2019

Oh brrrr, brrrr and BRRRR!! How does freezing rain and 8 inches of snow sound to those of you in warm climates? More of the same coming in for the weekend again. Oh yes, I am grateful once again for a warm habitat. Once again trying to succeed with something warm for the tummies. Beef stew in the crockpot sure is smelling yummy y’all.
My youngest son fell on the ice breaking both bones in his forearm going to work. Grateful for the disability pay. No way to start the year. 🙁