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!
Nanna 01.06.2017
My word of 2017 is the danish word “hygge”.
Tami Henderson 01.06.2017
Growth: spiritually, mentally, emotionally, and physically (and not the outwards way :) )
Nicole 01.06.2017
My word for 2017 is “pause”.
Marina 01.06.2017
My word is “balance” because I would like to balance my family + work/school obligations and still have energy in the day for some self-care. A girl can dream, right? :)
Glennda 01.06.2017
Adventure
Amanda 01.06.2017
Relax. I was going to say Organized (because OMG my life needs it!) but as I went to type it in, Relax appeared instead. And I’m going to embrace that, because after giving birth to my third child a month ago, trying to work from home while on maternity leave (and really stressful work stuff happening), little to no sleep, a complete lack of schedule, errands and appointments around every corner, my house being an utter mess, etc… I need a break. And as a mom it goes against the grain to grant myself one but I’ve come to realize how important it really is.
Alyssa 01.06.2017
I’ve never chosen a word of the year and while I don’t intend to necessarily, I think the goals I’ve set for 2017 would all fit into being more intentional. I always enjoy your blog and wish you happiness in 2017!
Amanda 01.06.2017
My word is FAITHFUL. I want to be faithful to Jesus, to nourishing my relationships, to my commitments, to my own wellness. I love this one word idea!! I can do this!
Arvie 01.06.2017
*Believe*
Blessed is she who has believed that the Lord would fulfill His promises to her! -Luke 1:45
Kindy 01.06.2017
I absolutely love this post and how you put a positive spin on situations that could be viewed negatively. It reminded me that it’s all about perspective. :)
Holly 01.06.2017
I think my word of the year is “Happy!”
Christine 01.06.2017
Positive
Emily 01.06.2017
My word of the year is “present.” I want to be more mindful and present in my daily life, and show appreciation and gratitude for the things I have and the opportunities I experience by being in the moment with them.
Beth Cleavenger 01.06.2017
JOY!
Amy 01.06.2017
My word for 2017 is compassionate.
Amanda 01.06.2017
Simplify!
Jessica S 01.06.2017
My word is present, as in “just be present”. Though my husband was hoping that it meant he got a gift every month ;-)
Stephanie 01.06.2017
My word of 2017 is Presence.
Alex 01.06.2017
Love that this planner has five ingredient recipes! Fantastic.
My word is grateful. Feeling fortunate for all that I have and living that way every day.
Maddie 01.06.2017
Driven/contentment