On this special Nurturing Thursday, let me take the opportunity to wish all of my American friends a blessed Thanksgiving Holiday!

“In daily life we must see that it is not happiness that makes us grateful, but gratefulness that makes us happy.”

~Brother David Steindl-Rast
(Austrian-American Author and Benedictine Monk)

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Frequent Contributors to
Nurturing Thursday:

Laurie’s Notes
Jacqueline King
Crowing Crone Joss
Inside the Mind of Isadora
Pocket Perspectives
Carol Carlisle
Hugmama

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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.

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