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Nabiha Huq Saifee MD, PhD's avatar

So appreciate your writing Tanmeet. I am also finding gratitude helps provide more meaningful context and softens difficulties. Even your description of a gratitude practice is an excellent framework and reframes what we usually might think when we hear about the benefits of gratitude practices.

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Tanmeet Sethi, MD's avatar

Nabiha I’m so glad it resonated. I love what you said, it “softens difficulties” I really agree. I think the misunderstanding often is that gratitude dismisses the hard. But the power lies in it softening the tenacious way we hold on to them. It’s not that they change. It’s that we change the way they hold rigid power over us.

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Rick Zeller's avatar

So many small things to be grateful for as well as some bigger moments. I find when I consciously speak daily gratitudes, life's pains and challenges are just a little easier to face. With all the suffering of innocents around the world today, I want to maintain my mental well-being so I can speak out or act against evil and cruelty when possible. Reminding myself of what I'm grateful for gives me a mental boost.

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Tanmeet Sethi, MD's avatar

Rick this is so resonant for me as well. What you’re saying makes so much sense because gratitude dampens the threat centers and improves clarity. I love the intention behind your gratitude practice.

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Sheila Holdren's avatar

Very appropriate timing regarding gratitude for me. For almost 5 years I had been almost completely bedridden from a stroke with Covid. This year I intentionally began to be more thankful for what I do have. I can't explain what has happened to me the last two months. I had such a severe brain fog. It's so hard to explain to people what it really feels like, but there is a difference now I don't feel that anymore. I feel like I am present and here. Period I still have cognitive deficits and I suppose I always will. It just feels like I am awake now, like I have woken up from a long sleep my energy levels have improved greatly. My whole feeling I feel good pretty much. I have no idea why this has happened how it has happened and right now I don't really care. I am just enjoying this moment. But in reality, I think it's because I adopted a different mindset and it just helped me along the way.

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Tanmeet Sethi, MD's avatar

Wow Sheila this is such a powerful story. You’ve been through so much. And what a triumph to feel present and awake to your life now. I’m so moved.

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Melanie Blank's avatar

Tanmeet, this is a lovely, helpful post. I am recovering from a lumpectomy on Tuesday. I have a lot of gratitude despite some uncertainties. Gratitude for family, friends, and great medical care. Minimal pain. I will get through this. 💙

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Tanmeet Sethi, MD's avatar

Melanie, I hope your recovery is smooth! Love your gratitude and also recognizing it's not with certainty. Gratitude can be a companion through uncertainty. Rest and heal well ❤️

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Melanie Blank's avatar

Thanks for your support and good wishes, Tanmeet! 💙

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