With so many possibilities all around us, making choices is not always easy. In a world that is changing so quickly, often it takes some effort to get oriented. When I feel unsure of what to do next, I try to keep in mind that, generally, being kind is a good place to start.

Word-art that says, "In a world where you can be anything, BE KIND."

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.”

The window installation is almost finished, but the screens haven’t yet been put into place, and all the blinds and shades are still off. Walking around in a house with bare windows, all completely new and clean, has a very different feeling to it, as if I’m surrounded by possibilities that were not quite in view before. Now, I just have to find time for them—or, perhaps, allow time for them to find me.

Word-art that says, "Find the time. The time to read, to smell the flowers, to paint your dreams, to have coffee with a friend, to learn a new craft, to write a letter, to bake a surprise cake, to go somewhere special, to really be with the person you love, or even to do nothing for a while..."

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.”

The window installers will be here next week, and I haven’t yet finished cutting back some overgrown bushes under my living room windows, which are definitely in the way. They went so long without being pruned that it became a daunting chore. I’ll get it done, though, rather than letting the sight of it intimidate me any longer—and the view will be much improved.

Word-art that says, "Two men look out a window. One sees mud, the other sees the stars." -Oscar Wilde

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 traveling again this week, giving myself time and space to let worries fall away. Although my job isn’t stressful, I find that too much time in a routine, without a change of views, has a tendency to narrow the mind’s focus and cause impatience. Trying to change everything is not realistic, but often a simple change of scenery, with touches of love and kindness, can make for a healthier perspective.

Word-art that says, "You may not be able to change the entire world, but you can release your love, and watch its colors paint the world around you with kindness and patience, and watch your little part of it change for the better."

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.”

During my workday, I watched a video about creating prompts for artificial intelligence. I wore headphones so as not to disturb my husband, who shares the home office with me. The video had some amusing moments, and at one point I laughed out loud. My husband looked over and smiled.

Later in the day, I noticed that my Garmin tracker showed two long restful periods while I was working. I mentioned that to my husband because it was unusual. He said that watching a good presentation must have left me feeling more relaxed than usual. The first restful period was indeed the time when I watched the video, so he was right about that. I hadn’t realized it made so much difference!

Word-art that says, "Laughter is the sound of the soul dancing." -Jarod Kintz

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 and I went for a good easy row yesterday afternoon before grilling hamburgers at the rowing club’s annual picnic. The boathouse is located close to downtown Dayton, so we have a great view of the City of Dayton fireworks, which were on July 3rd this year. Volunteers had put down fresh gravel between the boathouse and the dock just last month, which made a good surface to put down our sports chairs and watch the show. Fun for everyone!

Word-art with fireworks that says, "Wishing you a sparkling 4th of July filled with pride, honor and lots of fun!"

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 morning, I got stressed because I felt that I had been unfairly criticized. After having some time to reflect on what happened, I decided it would be useful to give myself a friendly reminder not to get overly upset by other people’s reactions, which often aren’t really about me at all.

Word-art that says, "Friendly reminder that you have zero control over how other people perceive you, so you might as well just be the person you want to be."

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 traveling on a road trip with my husband, leaving Wednesday evening, so I’ve scheduled this post in advance. I like the quote, and although (being honest) there isn’t much chance I’ll wake at dawn, it should be good enough to schedule the post for dawn, anyway.

Word-art that says, "Wake at dawn with a joyful heart and give thanks for another day of loving." -Kahlil Gibran

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 next-door neighbor has been putting down mulch this week, and she offered to give me whatever was left over from the pile in her driveway. That might have been a roundabout comment on the less-than-perfect condition of my front yard. Although I took good care of the roses behind the house this year, and they look great, I can’t say the same of the neglected shrubs in front.

I spent some time cutting them back this evening, however, and they’re starting to look better—not perfect, but that is okay. It’s just what happens in real life.

Word-art that says, "You were born to be real, not to be perfect."

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.”

Instead of writing this post early in the day, I went out to get my hair done and left it for later. When I came home, I just sat down at my desk and got back to my work. Then I started chatting with my husband, and we went down to the river to do our rowing workout. By the time we got back to the house, it was past sunset, and I still had to take a shower and cook dinner, so this post didn’t get written until the end of the day.

When I thought about what to write, leaving things for later seemed like just the right topic!

Word-art that says, "Don't leave anything for later. Later, the coffee gets cold. Later, you lose interest. Later, the day turns into night. Later, people grow up. Later, people grow old. Later, life goes by. Later, you regret not doing something when you had the chance."

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.”