Meg Evans

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.”

This week, I couldn’t summon enough energy for writing. The world feels as if it is rushing over a waterfall. Although many things are out of my control, I can choose to take enough time to rest. I am not obligated to push myself to do better, work harder, or impress anyone with my diligence. I can consciously decide to slow down enough to create a safe space in which to heal.

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.”

Although I won’t be doing anything for Halloween this year because my husband and I are traveling, Halloween does fall on a Thursday this year, so a greeting to suit the occasion seems right for today’s Nurturing Thursday post. Boo!

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 coming home on Monday night from a long road trip to Boston, I haven’t felt quite settled in yet. It’s an odd feeling, almost like a dream—as if I need to be somewhere, but I’m not sure where it is. I’ve been reminding myself that I simply need to be all there, wherever it may be; and the rest can take care of itself.

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.”

In October, I’m traveling often with my husband, rowing in regattas. It is a great way to keep in shape, but it can be tiring and can leave me feeling rushed. When I get those feelings of always being in too much of a hurry, I remind myself to just breathe and be in the moment, rather than overthinking the schedule. It’s really not as hard as I sometimes make it out 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.”

It was still dark when I woke up this morning, but it was late enough that trying to go back to sleep wouldn’t have been productive, so I got up and started my workday earlier than usual. At first, I was a bit grumpy because my sleep hadn’t been as refreshing as I would have liked and because I had been rushing too much this week. A cup of coffee helped me to feel more awake, though, and the quiet house was peaceful. There really wasn’t anything to complain about, after all.

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.”