The spring weather in this area has been cooler than usual, and often windy. At the beginning of the week, looking at the weather forecast, I was thinking that it might not be the most comfortable for rowing on the river with my husband.

It turned out to be all right, though. Monday was a bit windy, but relatively warm, and we had a good brisk workout. Tuesday was pretty good too. There was a strong and chilly wind on Wednesday, but it was manageable, and we were left with a sense of accomplishment. Today was also cool, but not overly so, and the water was fairly calm. Every day had something to appreciate.

Word-art that says, "Appreciate Everything."

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 a lot of rain earlier this week, it was bright and sunny today. Although the river was high and the current was fast, I went rowing with my husband in the late afternoon as usual. We went slowly, taking care to avoid floating logs and debris, and the wind felt a bit chilly. Still, it was better to get outdoors in nature, rather than being on the rowing machine in the basement; and I was left with a little spark of happy feelings afterward, which I decided to pass on to my readers this evening.

Word-art that says, "Sending a little spark of happy your way 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.”

My husband is a rowing referee, and in the spring season, he’s traveling almost every weekend to work at the youth regattas. The kids need a lot of help, he tells me. It’s a lot to do when he has a demanding full-time job as a software developer, but he loves the sport of rowing and pours his heart into it. Sometimes I come to watch the races when he works as a referee, and I’m always left smiling.

Word-art that says, "Whatever you do, do it with all your heart."

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 finished my work by midafternoon because I’d gotten ahead on it yesterday while waiting for a big load of laundry to dry. Rather than jumping into any projects or household chores in today’s “extra” free time, I got myself a cup of hot tea and enjoyed the peace and quiet.

Word-art that says, "Sometimes the most radical thing you can do is slow down and savor your tea."

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.”

This has been a quiet and restful week for me. Consistent with giving myself permission to be, as set forth in my 2026 New Year’s Resolution post, I’ve decided to treat myself to an “Allowed” list for this week’s Nurturing Thursday, as a helpful little reminder.


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.”

This afternoon, I went rowing with my husband while it was sunny and warm. I hadn’t quite reached the intended stopping point in my work, but I decided that it could wait anyway. We both work from home, and there will always be time for more work. There won’t always be lovely spring afternoons to enjoy.

Word-art that says, "Take time to make your soul happy. Slow down. Breathe deeply. Let go of what you can't control. Focus on the good."

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.”

Another spring sunset, getting later each day, left me feeling joyful this evening. Nature splashes her colors wherever she feels like it, with wild abandon. I want to go out and look for adventures—and eat ice cream before dinner like a child on holiday—just because it’s my life and I can dance if I want to.

Word-art that says, "Be loud in your joy. Be wild with your dreams. Show up messy. Show up real. Say what you feel. Wear what you love. Take up space. Own your magic. Dance barefoot. Laugh until it hurts. Chase sunsets. Eat the cake. Kiss slowly. Live like this life is yours—because it is." -Dede Hawkins

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.”

This week has felt a bit rushed, mainly because of getting ready for a weekend trip and making sure to get everything done promptly before departing. But it’s all OK, and I am grateful for being so free to travel.

Word-art that says, "Everything will be ok."

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 learned the Reiki affirmation “Just for Today” about ten years ago, and I find it calming. There are many versions, originally translated from Japanese. I came across this word-art version recently and decided to share it for a Nurturing Thursday post. Enjoy!

Word-art that says, "Just for Today: Just for today, I will not worry. Just for today, I will not be angry. Just for today, I will be grateful. Just for today, I will do my work diligently. Just for today, I will be kind to every living thing. Just 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.”

I had a few hectic moments earlier this week and, at one point, found myself looking for the phantom ring on my right hand that I’ve occasionally imagined there. I have no idea why or how that image got into my mind; it began almost a decade ago. Just some odd stress reaction. It seems harmless, though, and I’ve been reminding myself that I can manage stressful moments well enough.

Word-art that says, "A diamond is just a piece of charcoal that handled stress exceptionally well."

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.”