I’ve got an exciting post for you today – a little 2017 inspiration plus a review of the The Nourished Planner!
Maybe you’re sick of seeing “new year, new you!” type stuff already but I’m still in limbo writing 2016 on everything so, if you feel me, hopefully today’s post inspires vs annoys! Wow I’m really setting the stage for myself…
Anyway, new years resolutions are great when they work, but I’ve never been able to stick to mine for more than a week or two. Excuses for not going to the gym quickly arise, salad cravings eventually stop, and somehow the wine always finds a way to flow once again.
Over the past couple of years I’ve seen people choose a “word of the year” – a term or phrase to inspire and live by – which I find much more appealing than setting well-intended yet unrealistic goals. It’d actually be cool to be constantly reminded of your word by printing it on a wrist band a la WWJD bands circa 1998, amiright?! ?
Words I’m seeing a lot across the blogosphere right now include:
- Intentional
- Motivated
- Spiritual
- Efficient
- Focused
- Driven
- Simplify
- Contentment
- Joyful
- Confidence
My word of the year for 2017 is “Nourish”, inspired by the planner I’m giving away at the bottom of this post. In 2017 I want to nourish myself, and my relationship with Ben, especially. I’m fully prepared to be intentional about nourishing by planning date nights, getting better at listening, taking time to exercise, reading, actually using massage gift certificates I’ve received, etc. In addition to choosing a word to be inspired by, I took things a step further by writing a “Gripe/Grateful” list to start the new year in a good headspace.
Writing a list of all the things you’re grateful for is a wonderful way to count your blessings, but an even better way to put your “problems” into perspective is to write some of them out then find a reason how or why that issue is actually being caused by something positive.
I’m not saying we can’t complain EVER, because let’s be real, but if you find yourself griping about the same things over and over and over again, find a way to spin them so you’re not constantly feeling miserable over a situation, person, or problem.
So, all that said, here’s the Gripe/Grateful list I wrote to kick off 2017. I’d love to hear what would be on your list!
2017 Gripe/Grateful List
- There are constantly crumbs on the floor = we have an abundance of food to eat.
- I’m stressed about work = I have a job I love.
- I’m tired = because 3am baby smiles and snuggles (<< THESE!)
- There are toys everywhere = memories are being made.
- The laundry is never ending = we have clothes to wear.
- My inbox is a black hole = it’s full of great opportunities.
- My pants don’t fit = my body grew a human.
- I have wrinkle lines = I have lots to smile about.
- Being a WAHM is really hard = I get to stay home with my children.
- We’re constantly busy = we have a rich and full life.
I don’t want it to seem like I’m always complaining about these 10 things, but if I think about life’s daily stressors – laundry, toy explosions, cleaning, etc – they’re all caused by things I’m actually grateful for, know what I mean? Anyway, just wanted to share this little exercise as I found it to be very eye opening. Also, full disclosure, I totally snagged this idea from a Real Housewife’s Instagram account. #noshameinmyBravogame
Ok, onto The Nourished Planner review!
So, two of my favorite blogging buddies, Alexa from Simple Roots Wellness and Heidi from Foodie Crush (who designed my ebook!) teamed up and poured their hearts and souls into a passion project two years in the making – The Nourished Planner!
Honestly, I’m a digital girl. I’ve got my Google calendar all color coded with appointments, events, to-dos, etc, so in the past while I’ve liked the idea of a planner, I hadn’t found it necessary to run my life. All that changed once I flipped open The Nourished Planner (speaking of flipping, the planner is spiral bound so it lays flat when opened. DETAILS!)
From Alexa and Heidi:
The Nourished Planner is a goal-setting guide, a daily, weekly and monthly calendar, a to-do list, and a meal planner all in one. It’s goal is to inspire you to create your best self, which can only come from one thing: Taking control of your time, your life and your health.
Yes, there’s a tab and calendar for each month to jot down notes and appointments, but there’s also so. much. more. Like lists of foods that are in season each month, 5 ingredient recipes, helpful tips, inspirational quotes, and places to write out personal and professional goals, shopping lists, and track daily fitness and nutrition.
My favorite part of the planner is the monthly challenges. For example, in January you’re challenged to create daily action plans to achieve your goals. February’s challenge is about setting a budget. June covers how you can step up your fitness game. If you want to better yourself in 2017, but aren’t sure where to start, this planner will inspire you. It’s not just about organizing your life, it’s about nourishing your mind, body, and soul. And I’m falling for it hook, line, and sinker!
Caryn 01.06.2017
Present!
Linda Miller 01.06.2017
Listener is my word for 2017
Jen 01.06.2017
My word of the year is Connection- with my husband, kids, family, friends and myself!
Nikki 01.06.2017
Relax… I spent 2016 stressed out and worrying about way too much!
Sarah B. 01.06.2017
My word of the year is Meaningful. I’ve hit that point in my life (married with three kids and working full time) where I want as much of what I do in life to be viewed through the lens of being meaningful.
Miranda 01.06.2017
Perspective
Lindsay Stephenson 01.06.2017
Honest
COurtney 01.06.2017
My word of the year is erudite. Even though I have long since left college, I want to stay educated. I want to enroll in classes that excite me, and always look for more way to become more educated and well informed about not only my interests, but everything around me.
Katelyn 01.06.2017
I can’t think of a word right now but the phrase would be “in the moment.” I need to put my phone down when I’m with people IRL and focus on being “in the moment” with them. I’m also planning my wedding (June 12 AHHHH) and I need to remember to be “in the moment” and take it all in, not just stressed or going crazy.
Karla 01.06.2017
My word is love. I want to express and accept more love this year. I tend to focus on negatives so much that when there is an opportunity to express love or someone is offering me love, I don’t even recognize it.
Hannah 01.06.2017
My word is “unplugged.” I want to decrease my time on my phone, social media and start to be more present in every moment.
Tricia 01.06.2017
Intentional
jessie 01.06.2017
My word is Strength
Megan 01.06.2017
My word for the year: perspective! Keeping everything in perspective, but also trying to see the world through other peoples’ perspectives.
Kristen 01.06.2017
Strength
Amy Foster 01.06.2017
Love everything about this planner! My word for the year is motivated! This year I am feeling a lot more motivated to both set goals and achieve them. This planner would be amazing to help with that. :)
Allison 01.06.2017
Inspiration!
Thao 01.06.2017
Love the design of the planner and the positive spin on the “gripes”. My word of the year is forgiveness. Mostly, to remind myself that I should forgive myself more often.
Kel 01.06.2017
Blessed is my word. I like your list!!
DJ 01.06.2017
Organize