Meg Evans

I’m always wondering what day to take down the Christmas tree in mid-January. Until then, I leave it up because it brightens the winter gloom and I’m not quite ready for the holidays to be over. Then I become indecisive, wanting more sparkly lights on dark days and also wanting to put the tree away for another year and feel that spring is getting closer.

For now, I’m going to let the decision wait a few more days and just look at the stars, instead.

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 made a contribution last month to the Carter Center, remembering the former president’s tireless work to advance democracy and to make the world a better place. He had a full and inspiring life, well deserving of the praise he received today. Character still matters.

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 full workday after a long and relaxing holiday break. Weirdly, it didn’t feel much different. The end of the holidays didn’t leave me feeling deprived of free time. All day, I sat in my desk chair feeling just as relaxed as if I’d been playing games or browsing through blogs, although I was doing my usual job. My Garmin tracker said that I had multiple restful periods while working. Whatever might have caused this curious circumstance, I felt that I was fully inhabiting the now.

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 a quiet day so far, talking with my husband about everyday things, reading a novel on my Kindle, and exchanging emails with my sister in San Francisco that have cute photos of dogs wanting to play. After a peaceful, unhurried holiday week, my first thought about writing a Nurturing Thursday post was that I didn’t have much to say. Then it occurred to me that appreciating these small joys is well worth a blog entry—perhaps more so than chronicling busy days crammed full of tasks.

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 sat down at the computer this evening to put together a Nurturing Thursday post, I have to confess that I was not feeling imaginative and wasn’t sure what to say. My day had been quiet and calm, but not particularly creative. I felt like I had words floating around randomly in my brain that didn’t want to arrange themselves into anything useful. Rather than worry about where my imagination might have gone, I decided that I should just get some rest and be thankful for a calm day.

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 came across this word-art image, it left me with feelings of peace and contentment; so, I’m sharing it for Nurturing Thursday, in hopes that it will leave my readers feeling happier too. Enjoy!

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.”

Happy Thanksgiving! I had a joyful day. This morning, I ran the Turkey Trot with my family. I was well rested and naturally woke up early, the weather was comfortably cool, and I kept a steady pace. After we got home and everyone was out of the shower and dressed, we decided to put up the Christmas tree. We usually wait until after Thanksgiving, but the coming week is forecast to be wintery, so we decided to go ahead and brighten the house with holiday lights. It looks very cheerful now, and we had a relaxing day and a good dinner. There was much to be thankful for today.

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 unseasonably warm autumn days, it finally turned cold last night. Seeing that snow was in the forecast, my husband dutifully put the snowblower attachment on the multi-purpose lawn mower yesterday. There wasn’t actually a need for it, given that we both work from home and had no errands to run. But, after so many years when snow was a chore to be dealt with before going to the office, getting the snowblower ready before the white stuff first made its appearance was his usual routine.

It melted quickly, of course, because the ground was still warm. This wasn’t a day for snow angels, snow sculptures, or other winter fun. Everything was just damp and gray. Still, I opened the blinds to let in what sunlight there was, reminding myself that winter is part of nature and there is joy to be found in any weather.

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.”

Sometimes, thinking of all that needs to be done to change the world can feel overwhelming. When that happens, I find it helpful to sit in silence, feeling the peaceful rhythms of my breathing and of my heartbeat. Not everything can be done in this moment, I remind myself—but, with kindness, much can be done.

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.”