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!
Kelly Schm. 01.06.2017
Still deciding …but leaning toward “Open” – open to what the new year brings (already known changes in the future) and holding what is current/normal with open (vs. close-fisted) hands.
Sally 01.06.2017
My word is “intentional”. I want every moment of my life to be lived with intention – even the mundane moments, like waking up on a Tuesday for work. It’s the little things in life, and I don’t want to miss out on any of them!
Meagan 01.06.2017
My word for the year is Confidence. I chose it because I tend to work on being “self-confident,” but that often leads me to feeling like a failure when I don’t measure up to the standards I’ve set for myself or that others have set for me. I’m choosing to focus on being confident in the Lord this year, acknowledging that I cannot live up to any standard, but that I receive confidence through his grace. I am choosing to find my identity, my value, my worth, and my confidence in Him.
Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine 01.06.2017
My word is CREATE!
Melissa H 01.06.2017
My word with a newborn at home and job changes ahead is Be Present! I’m such a planner and always ahead of the game and having a newborn is teaching me to be in the moment and it’s ok if I end up in PJs all day!
Clare @ fitting it all in 01.06.2017
FOCUS. Because I take my first round of medical boards and start on the wards this year, and I need to focus my energies in the right places to be successful!
Rachel 01.06.2017
Excited-baby #2 is due on June!
Ana 01.06.2017
I’ve been toying with a few ideas for a word to guide my year but I think I’m settled on “thoughtful”. This is for relationships, health, budgeting and professional goals.
Donna 01.06.2017
Minimalist!
(And I soooo agree…24/7 clutter is SO frustrating, but the fact that my healthy kids make said mess helps ya shake it off? My house’ll be clean in years and I’ll prob sit in the middle of my (clean) floor and cry???????
Laura A 01.06.2017
I haven’t chosen one, but I think nourish is a great one!
Brianna P 01.06.2017
Love the gripe/grateful list idea!
Amy 01.06.2017
re-newed
Lauren 01.06.2017
Gratitude! Gratitude for what I have and really appreciating all the small moments with my little ones since they won’t be little forever!
Sue H 01.06.2017
My word is grateful
Donna Meade 01.06.2017
I would love a Nourish Planner to keep me focused and inspired throughout 2017!
Rita 01.06.2017
My word is “grace”!
Jackie K 01.06.2017
My word is kindness
Jess 01.06.2017
Trust
Emily 01.06.2017
I haven’t really set a word for the year, but I did set a few “intentions.” Going back and reading those, my word for the year would have to be “grace.” I want to strive less for “perfection” and more for the joy of every day moments. Happy New Year!
Erika 01.06.2017
Intentional