Gratitude thread - please join in

AspiringAuthor · May 28, 2018, 12:36 PM

They say that gratitude is really helpful. I think there is the feeling of gratitude, which may not be available at times, and the thought of gratitude, which actually can be cultivated. I want the thread to collect both - expressions of the feeling, if possible, and cognitive expression as well. How about 3 "items" a day? I will start:

1) I am grateful for my bipolar friend Joe. He has BPII, I last saw him in 2013 before he has moved to Washington, and his mood disorder is treatment-resistant. He is my pen pal. He sometimes is insensitive, but aren't we all imperfect? I am sure I lack sensitivity at times. I am thankful for having my pen pal.

2) I am thankful for the life. My mother would turn 72 today and even though she was an extremely negative influence in my life, especially in her later years, she gave me the gift of life and my lovely first name, Natalya. And she taught me to swim, which remains my favorite form of exercise to this day, which is effective in preventing anxiety. And, I have survived several suicide attempts - I might not have lucked out but I did. So, I am thankful for my life.

3) I am grateful for the mild and sunny climate in NoCal.

1963 · May 28, 2018, 12:42 PM

I'm grateful that the large washers were available when I went to do my laundry in the complex's laundry room. I'm spring cleaning and it feels good. i'm showering at my mom's house today because my apartment water is sinking into downstairs and it's a holiday weekend so there's no one to call for help. I'm grateful that my mom lives near bye. I'm also grateful that my son celebrated mother's day with me this week and helped me empty the apartment of boxes. I'm glad he's healthy and strong enough to do that. I am always grateful that my daughter brings home french toast bagels as a treat at the endof her shift.

AspiringAuthor · May 28, 2018, 12:44 PM

What a wonderful first response! Happy spring cleaning to you!

*Laurie* · May 28, 2018, 01:38 PM

Natalya is a lovely name. My daughter's name is similar.

I am grateful for having the privilege of facilitating my NAMI support group because my group members are delightful people.
I am grateful for my precious cat family.

Unrigged64072835 · May 28, 2018, 02:37 PM

I'm grateful for my family...but...
I'm grateful that the kids are moving out in a month and a half...so...
I'm grateful that I can fix this house up and sell it next spring.

HALLIEBETH87 · May 28, 2018, 02:53 PM

Honestly this very moment I'm grateful for Ativan

Movingon69 · May 28, 2018, 03:03 PM

I'm grateful there to have learned that there are a few people in this world that love me BP and all.

pirilin · May 28, 2018, 04:04 PM

Can I be ungrateful?. Or just grateful.

stahrgeyzer · May 28, 2018, 04:08 PM

I'm grateful to not be in pain right now.

MusicLover82 · May 28, 2018, 04:09 PM

I'm LOVING the music I'm currently grooving to as I surf the web. It energizes me and makes me feel better.

AspiringAuthor · May 28, 2018, 05:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HALLIEBETH87

Honestly this very moment I'm grateful for Ativan

Your signature contains several dx's that would be harsh to have in isolation, let alone in a mix.

AspiringAuthor · May 28, 2018, 05:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pirilin

Can I be ungrateful?

You can be. List the causes. May I add that you can be grateful for your ability to challenge and to be independent.

BipolaRNurse · May 28, 2018, 06:46 PM

I'm grateful for family. They are supportive and loving, and I even get to travel with them.

I'm grateful for friends. I have several I can rely on no matter how bad things are with me. We live far apart but are in contact by text, phone, or FB Messenger frequently, one I text with daily.

I'm grateful for dogs. I can be having the crappiest day ever but they don't care, all they want is to give unconditional love. Oh, and a table scrap or two.

I'm especially grateful for the 36 years I spent with my husband. I miss him so much that it almost physically hurts, but I know he wouldn't want me to be unhappy so I do the best I can to live my best life, even with bipolar. And slowly but surely, I'm getting back to whatever passes for "normal".

VerMOZZica · May 28, 2018, 08:33 PM

I am grateful for my wonderful Mother

I am grateful for music

I am grateful for my pets

AspiringAuthor · May 29, 2018, 12:20 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BipolaRNurse

I'm especially grateful for the 36 years I spent with my husband. I miss him so much that it almost physically hurts, but I know he wouldn't want me to be unhappy so I do the best I can to live my best life, even with bipolar.

I understand - both how it physically hurts and how you do the best you can because he would not want you to be unhappy. I feel this way about my grandparents (who were my primary caregivers, so my connection with them was very special). It hurts, but they would not want me to be sad, at least not most of the time.

AspiringAuthor · May 29, 2018, 11:02 AM

- I am grateful for my roommate/landlord.

- I am grateful for my sneakers with supportive soles - I have no foot and leg pain thanks to them. And I am going to go for a walk now.

- I am grateful for my late grandmothers.

Scooter9 · May 29, 2018, 01:01 PM

1. I am grateful for having had a great older sister; she showed me the lighter side of life. My sister passed away of cancer two years ago.

2. I'm grateful for my wife and two grown-up children who have been through all of my ups and downs with me.

3. I'm grateful for my pdoc whom I can call or email, and get prescription refills from without having to visit - saves lots of time.

AspiringAuthor · May 29, 2018, 03:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scooter9

1. I am grateful for having had a great older sister; she showed me the lighter side of life. My sister passed away of cancer two years ago.

Oh, that must have been a tough loss to bear! So glad you were blessed with a great older sister.

Slightlydelusional · May 29, 2018, 04:50 PM

Im thankful for aspiring authors as I love to read new stuff!

KYWoman · May 29, 2018, 07:26 PM

I'm grateful I found this site when I did!! And to the many members with whom I've bonded.

I'm grateful to the life long friend I chatted with yesterday. I finally told him how bad things are for me now. I was too ashamed to share how broken I am and have been for some time. He was very supportive and encouraging to me!! (I.E., "I don't think you are broken. I think you are like a fighter who's bleeding from the eyes, nose and mouth and refuses to stay down in the ring.....your manger keeps pushing you back out to fight and you refuse to stay down!!)

I know gratitude is vital to the healing process. Just not sure I can heal from this train wreck!!!

May 29, 2018, 07:27 PM

I am grateful for my sweet, little dog and that i live in a dog-friendly building where there is even an area for dogs to run free. I am grateful for the nice day today.