32nd Nurturing Thursday
A psychologist walked around a room while teaching stress management to an audience. As she raised a glass of water, everyone expected they’d be asked the “half empty or half full” question. Instead, with a smile on her face, she inquired: “How heavy is this glass of water?”
Answers called out ranged from 8 oz. to 20 oz.
She replied, “The absolute weight doesn’t matter. It depends on how long I hold it. If I hold it for a minute, it’s not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I’ll have an ache in my arm. If I hold it for a day, my arm will feel numb and paralyzed. In each case, the weight of the glass doesn’t change, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes.”
She continued, “The stresses and worries in life are like that glass of water. Think about them for a while and nothing happens. Think about them a bit longer and they begin to hurt. And if you think about them all day long, you will feel paralyzed – incapable of doing anything.”
Remember to put the glass down.
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Frequent Contributors to
Nurturing Thursday:
Laurie’s Notes
Jacqueline King
Crowing Crone Joss
Inside the Mind of Isadora
Pocket Perspectives
Carole Carlisle
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What is Nurturing Thursday, you ask?
In this amazingly competitive society of ours, how many of us truly feel good about ourselves? How often do we extend to ourselves … the same courtesies, considerations, nurturing, forgiveness and understanding we would a loved one, a friend, or even a stranger?
Our culture tells us we need to be special and above average to feel good about ourselves. Yet, it is not possible for all of us to be above average at the same time. Don’t we usually know of someone richer, more attractive, “more together” or successful than we are? Even if we discount the material aspects and consider the more spiritual facet, don’t we know of those who seem more at peace, more aware or living in the moment. Even when we do manage to feel a strong sense of self-esteem or self-confidence, we are not able to consistently hold on to it. For most, our sense of self-worth bounces around like a ping-pong ball, rising and falling strongly tied with our latest success or failure.
In an effort to eliminate labeling ourselves as “good” or “bad”, and clearly accept ourselves with an open heart … to treat ourselves with the same kindness, caring, and compassion we would show to a good friend … I would like to incorporate more self-compassion and self-kindess in my life.
To “give this planet a much needed shot of fun, support and positive energy” … I am dubbing Thursdays as Nurturing Thursday … a spin-off of the suspended Occupy Blogosphere started by Amy of SoulDipper.
If any of my readers are interested in joining the nurturing, I applaud and welcome you to do so … the more the merrier!!
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© rgb for “On Dragonfly Wings with Buttercup Tea”, 2011 – 2013
I really like this. It is a lesson I wish I had learned earlier.
And of course, drink more water 😉
I like the Oscar Wilde quote from madhuriwonders too.
Cheers.
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Wish these type of lessons were taught much earlier in one’s life … so much would have been easier (at least I think so)
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Isn’t it a wonder that so many times we find it hard to just “lay that burden down”? My poor mother was one of those – she not only worried about the troubles of the day, but those of years gone by. There comes a time to just stop!
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Pingback: Nurturing Thursday – Being Me – Laurie's Notes
This very conversation is one I had with my sweetie just yesterday. He so struggles with setting things down but he is learning and growing. Well, aren’t we all? Here’s my contribution for today:
http://crowingcrone.com/2013/07/25/nurturing-thursday-july-25th/
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Pingback: Nurturing Thursday July 25th | Crowing Crone Joss
oh this is such a good read…!
Thank you..its a gentle reminder …
Take Care…
)0(
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I am glad it gave you a gentle nudge — we all need those reminders. Appreciate your visit. 😀
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Love this.
Letting go.. Setting it down. 🙂
Here is my contribution:
http://lauriesnotes.wordpress.com/2013/07/24/nurturing-thursday-being-me/
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nurture yourself, in order to nurture others. ‘to love oneself is the beginning of a lifelong romance’ – Oscar wilde
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