Thank You Thursday
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
I'd like to encourage all of you to join me in starting a new tradition (habit) to carry throughout the coming new year. That habit is called Thank You Thursday or TYT for short. Let's all make a deliberate effort to say THANK YOU and express our appreciation for the random acts of kindness people show to us or for just being a good friend.

Yes, we should do this all of the time. The truth is that we take those around us for granted. I think that setting aside one day during the week to make an extra effort to simply say "Thank you" would make the world a better place. Let's make that day Thursdays. Please join me.

What or whom are you Thankful for?
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Posted by howdy (+4949) 11 years ago
I am thankful for the great kids I had just move into my house (teen grandkids)and am so glad I can have them stay with me....
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Posted by sdrew (+234) 11 years ago
I am thankful-SOOO thankful_ to have my two kids & a new son-in-law home for the first Christmas in 3 years. My cup runneth over!
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Posted by sdrew (+234) 11 years ago
Oh, and Richard, THANK YOU for such an uplifting and positive thread! I will look forward to visiting on Thursdays!:
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Posted by Amorette Allison (+12608) 11 years ago
Thank you, Richard, for reminding us of the value of 'bad' jokes and puns.
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18474) 11 years ago
I'd like to give a special thanks to Jim Beam Kentucky bourbon.
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 11 years ago
I'm thankful that tomorrow's Friday.
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Posted by cj sampsel (+485) 11 years ago
Richard, what are you on?
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
Sleep deprivation and an overwhelming sense of how wonderful life can be if you are always smiling and treat others the way you wish to be treated. Thanks for asking.

[This message has been edited by Richard Bonine, Jr. (12/17/2011)]
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Posted by howdy (+4949) 11 years ago
Good answer Richard...
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Posted by cj sampsel (+485) 11 years ago
I'm cool with that. Just checking.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
Christmas gift suggestions for this Thank You Thursday:

To your enemy, forgiveness.
To an opponent, tolerance.
To a friend, your heart.
To a customer, service.
To all, charity.
To every child, a good example.
To yourself, respect.

- Oren Arnold, author
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Posted by Shu (+1800) 11 years ago
I am thankful for good health...and I am serious about that!

Some people that I know have all kinds of health problems: arthritis, physical disabilities that prevent them from walking or being able to dress themselves, diabetes (therefore unable to eat what they please as I am), alcohol addictions, parkinsons, a few that have or have had cancer, some that have health problems from being overweight, and on-and-on.

Whenever I feel like complaining about my lot in life I always remember that cliche': "you still have your health".

Good idea with this thread, Richard, and thank you.
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Posted by howdy (+4949) 11 years ago
I am thankful that my old parenting skills tho dusty and hidden deep inside me haven't been lost, as I noticed the kids are responding well and doing better than ever...Old folks (like myself) can do things, just takes a bit longer LOL...
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
"When we become more fully aware that our success is due in large measure to the loyalty, helpfulness, and encouragement we have received from others, our desire grows to pass on similar gifts. Gratitude spurs us on to prove ourselves worthy of what others have done for us. The spirit of gratitude is a powerful energizer." - Wilferd A. Peterson
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Posted by K.Duffy (+1814) 11 years ago
I am thankful beyond words to the generosity of the people here in good ol' Custer County! The Custer County Fund for Animals is so proud and happy that we are finally ready to launch an 'All Out Assault' on the unwanted pet overpopulation problem, which could never have happened without receiving the support and funds that have been coming in to us. A simple Thank-you just isn't enough!

We are hoping to put very large dents not only in the feral cat population ~ by trapping, neuter/spaying, and returning them ~ but to also assist the well meaning pet owners who, in these trying times, simply cannot afford to have their pets altered. Please feel free to call us ~ we do require the owner of the animal to contribute a portion of the cost, but we're sure you will be surprised *in a good way at what we can offer. Call 234-6118 or 232-3727 for more details. Happy New Year!

[This message has been edited by K.Duffy (12/30/2011)]
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
"A man's indebtedness is not virtue; his repayment is. Virtue begins when he dedicates himself actively to the job of gratitude." - Ruth Benedict
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Posted by Tracy P. (+91) 11 years ago
I am thankful that someone finally put a positive thread on this site. I am also thankful that I have my son, my job, my family, and my friends.
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18474) 11 years ago
I am thankful today for two things:

1. Chile peppers.

2. Garlic.

Life on the planet would be a lot duller without them.
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 11 years ago
I'm thankful for the existence of pharmaceuticals.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
"The way to develop the best in a person is by appreciation and encoragement."
-Megha Ganatra
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Posted by howdy (+4949) 11 years ago
Ditto on the pharmaceuticals as without them, I would be in a great deal more pain...this weather is killing me, at the moment...
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Posted by Russell Bonine (+240) 11 years ago
"The way to develop the best in a person is by appreciation and encoragement."


I would encourage you to spell "encouragement" correctly! Thank You!

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Posted by howdy (+4949) 11 years ago
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Posted by rg (+53) 11 years ago
That is a great message to pass on. How very liberal of you Richard.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being. We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit.

--Albert Schweitzer
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18474) 11 years ago
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 11 years ago
I'm thankful for the existence of Buddhism. This tax season, I AM zen.
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Posted by Amorette Allison (+12608) 11 years ago
Thank you for Ashley-Dawn. I have a cold and am having trouble staying awake and her posts have both made me laugh and gotten me angry, thus keeping me awake. She's not as good as Butch at aggravating me but I'm sure she'll get better at!
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
I am thankful for friends like Gunnar who post pictures that give new meaning to "rekindle the inner fire". (My apologies to Amazon )
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Posted by tab fleming (+85) 11 years ago
I am thankful for my family and friends. I am also thankful for my customers who have supported our Dairy Queen store for the past 36 years. I invite you to come out on Saturday for our customer appriciation day. Most items will be at 50% off. Thanks Miles City!
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
Hey Tab, I'd be very thankful if you would share your recipe for potato salad. I am sort of a potato salad junky and yours is one of the best I have ever tasted.
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Posted by clm (+98) 11 years ago
I am just thankful for another Thursday! Especially as entertaining as this one has been.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
It is necessary, then, to cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and to give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.

Wallace D. Wattles
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Posted by Gunnar Emilsson (+18474) 11 years ago
I am thankful for President Obama, as if it wasn't for his stimulous spending programs that created over three million jobs, our economy would be in way worse shape.
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Posted by howdy (+4949) 11 years ago
Have to agree without the Democrats, the country would be in far worse shape...Just wish they would stop getting more conservative IMO...Oh well, apples and oranges...LOL...
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 11 years ago
I am thankful that my zen is holding up so far.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
"Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.--William Arthur Ward"
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
I want to thank Jeremy Lin for getting Tim Tebow off the front page.
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Posted by howdy (+4949) 11 years ago
I want to thank my family for helping me thru today and all the chores that needed doing...I am blessed to have them all... <3
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 11 years ago
I am thankful for my brother.
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Posted by Maryann McDaniel (+255) 11 years ago
I am grateful for my husband John, is trying to teach my mentally challenged 30-year-old son (who just moved in with us) how to drive.

I am also thankful John did not have a heart attack! My son is not a danger to others on the road, but he is going to need a lot of practice driving.

[This message has been edited by Maryann McDaniel (2/23/2012)]
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
I am thankful for places in the world like Miles City. While it is easy to complain about what isn't there, Miles City has a lot going for itself. So, I am thankful for the friendly people. It is one of the few places where people say hello and ask how you are doing and actually are interested.

There is actually a good selection of reasonable priced places to eat. There is no other place in the world with bars like the Bison and Montana. Great places to meet friends and visit.

I want to give a special shout out to Steadman's. I was in there three times this week. The staff there has mastered the art of being friendly and helpful without being pushy. They have a marvelous selection of merchandise. It is easy to take for granted where we live and the amenities available. For its size Miles City has a lot of good things going on. We should be thankful for the opportunity to live and work in such a great place.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
Thankfulness Linked to Positive Changes in Brain and Body

Grateful? Write it down. Think about it. Talk about it. 'Tis the season of thanking, and not only will you spread those positive vibrations to those around you, your health will benefit, too.

For those who tend to be more Grinch-ish than grateful, there's some hard evidence that might make you want to turn that frown upside down. A positive outlook and feelings of thankfulness can have a direct and beneficial effect on the brain and body.

"If [thankfulness] were a drug, it would be the world's best-selling product with a health maintenance indication for every major organ system," said Dr. P. Murali Doraiswamy, head of the division of biologic psychology at Duke University Medical Center.

While the act of being thankful is not a substitute for a proper medical diagnosis and treatment, Doraiswamy said it's certainly a strategy that can be used to enhance wellness.

Studies have shown measurable effects on multiple body and brain systems, said Doraiswamy. Those include mood neurotransmitters (serotonin, norepinephrine), reproductive hormones (testosterone), social bonding hormones (oxytocin), cognitive and pleasure related neurotransmitters (dopamine), inflammatory and immune systems (cytokines), stress hormones (cortisol), cardiac and EEG rhythms, blood pressure, and blood sugar.

"When my coaching clients ask me why gratitude exercises work, I let them know that humans have something called a negativity bias where 'bad stuff' in our life outweighs the good by a measure of about 3:1," Renee Jain, a certified coach of positive psychology, wrote in an email.

"This bias developed over millions of years help us survive threats in our environment," said Jain. "Fortunately, we no longer have to worry about a saber-toothed tiger attacking us on the way to work. Unfortunately, we still have this bias, which makes us hone in on negative events, emotions, and interactions in our lives."

The brain's fundamental organizing principle in life is to avoid threat and maximize rewards, said Mitch Wasden, CEO of Ochsner Medical Center in Baton Rouge, who holds a doctorate in human and organizational learning. Because of this, the "chemical cocktail surging through the body allows humans to feel rewards and threats," he said.

"The brain's primary reward chemical is called dopamine," continued Wasden. "The interesting thing, however, is that we can't feel rewards and threats unless we focus attention on them. Many good and bad things happen in our life every day, but until they come to our own attention, we don't get the neurotransmitter release that allows us to feel good or bad."

But there's a twist. The brain doesn't know the difference when it's reacting to reality, fiction or even past events, which explains why people feel scared while watching horror movies even though they know it's not real or they cry when reading a sad novel. Feeling thankful for things that have happened acts as a "mental movie," Wasden explained. The brain releases dopamine, which, in turn, has a positive effect on mood and emotional well-being.

"I find positive psychology strategies can be particularly helpful for some people with mild depression and for those with poor psychosocial coping styles," said Doraiswamy. "Clearly if someone has severe depression or is suicidal they need urgent medical management for acute care but even there positive psychology strategies may reduce their risk for relapse or increase compliance with their treatments."

"Gratitude helps us counteract the negativity bias by focusing our attention on the 'good stuff,'" Jain said. "A little focus can go a long way to improving one's psychological, social, and physical health."

If it's tough to get out of a negative-thinking rut, Wasden suggested keeping a journal of things, big or small, for which you are grateful. Write letters of gratitude and meditate on positive emotions.

"One of the most well-known practices uncovered from this research is known as the Three Blessings exercise," said Jain. "Each night before going to bed you write down three good things (ordinary or extraordinary) that happened to you during the day. Studies reveal those who continue this exercise for one week straight can increase their happiness and decrease depressive symptoms for up to a six-month period."

Thank you for reading. Now, go express gratefulness to that special person, place or thing in your life. Write it down or yodel it from the rooftops. Hey, it's for the good of your health.


http://abcnews.go.com/Hea...3RdhTEgfng
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Posted by howdy (+4949) 11 years ago
I am thankful I was able to acquire this new 64 bit Asus laptop with windows 7, and will be even more thankful when I acquire the knowledge to use it, LOL...
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Posted by Jeff Denton (+757) 11 years ago
Very good, Richard. Physical fitness and active lifestyle goes a long way too. "Grow Bolder" is a fun new organization worth checking out.

I am thankful for the renewed hope of a fantastic financial future given by the size of the Mega Millions jackpot at the moment.
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Posted by Wendy Wilson (+6171) 11 years ago
I am thankful that there are only three and a half weeks left of tax season.
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Posted by Richard Bonine, Jr. (+15486) 11 years ago
I'm thankful for extensions.
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