Meg Evans

When I went out to get groceries this morning, I drove along a curving road beside the river, with trees arching overhead in a lovely green tunnel that reminded me of the description of trees along the country lane in Anne of Green Gables. Although I go that way all the time and usually don’t think much about it, today its natural beauty made an impression on me. I felt fortunate to have such a peaceful break from my workday, even if I was just doing the grocery shopping.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

After hurrying down to the river to get in our rowing exercise during breaks in the rain all week, my husband and I were glad to have a bright and sunny afternoon today. Although it was hot and humid enough to make a race-pace workout very tiring, we didn’t complain. Better than being indoors!

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

I’ve had the saying “Let go and let God” in my mind this week, probably because I’ve been reminding myself to let go of expectations for whatever I can’t control. After everything that has happened in the world in recent years, that category feels enormous. Still, I try to keep in mind that there is always space for improvement, and that the future holds many things we haven’t yet imagined.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

After many years of talking about it, my husband and I finally got around to ordering a standby generator for our house. We don’t lose power often, but now that we both work from home, it is quite disruptive when it happens. There are storms rolling through the area this evening, and we heard thunder not long ago. The generator probably won’t get installed for a few months, but we’ll be glad to not have to worry whether a thunderstorm will cause a power outage.

And there’s peace of mind to be gained, as well, just from checking off an entry on the “someday” list.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

Right before I started writing this post, I was changing purses. I have two that I use regularly, depending on the season. In the winter, I carry a plain black purse. Sometime in April, I switch to my summer purse, which is exactly the same style and dimensions as the winter purse. The only difference is that it has a colorful floral pattern, which generally puts me in a good mood when I look at it.

Maybe some people would say that’s a bit strange, but it makes me happy, so I don’t care.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

I did an online “Yoga for Sleep” session this evening, with gentle exercises to help relax the mind and body. One of them was to lie face down while bending the knees and moving the legs back and forth like windshield wipers. Whether or not that exercise helps me to sleep better tonight, it felt silly enough to make me want to laugh. That, in itself, was probably good for me.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

My husband is currently “unhorsed” because his car is in the shop, so we are sharing my car this week. Today, I went out and had to detour around a stretch of highway that is under construction. I reminded myself that it still got me there faster than a horse and buggy, and that we always have a lot to be grateful for in modern times, whatever may be happening at the moment.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

I had a conversation with my manager this afternoon, in which she recommended a series of online courses for personal development. The first in the series was about developing a growth mindset.

Although “growth mindset” is somewhat of a buzzword, I went ahead and took the course, and I found it worthwhile. Resilience and self-nurturing were among the topics discussed, along with the expectation of always finding something new to learn. I came away feeling encouraged.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

I’m currently reading Buried Deep by Naomi Novik, a collection of short stories. Fairies, witches, dragons, monsters, oh my. Lots of fun. She is one of my favorite authors.

I hope you’re having a good week, too!

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”

When I woke up this morning and went into the home office to start my workday, I heard cold winds howling. It was so dark outside that I hadn’t wanted to open the blinds in the kitchen when I got my coffee.

The sun never did come out, but everything felt brighter when my husband came into the room and sat down at his computer. No need for sunny days to feel cheerful when we have each other’s company.

Nurturing Thursday was started by Becca Givens and seeks to encourage self-nurturing and to “give the planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy.”