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!
Kristin Heiden 01.06.2017
Opportunity – It’s a brand spanking new year to take on new challenges and change! :)
Ashley 01.06.2017
Intentional
Brittany 01.06.2017
My word is Growth. Easily applied to all aspects of your life. I love that it can be simple growth tasks or a larger goal.
Sherry 01.06.2017
My word of the year is “RESHAPE”. I want to RESHAPE a better me inside and out. To RESHAPE improve relationships with my husband, family and friends. RESHAPE my business to enhance my clients lives where great organic healthy food is medicine to their bodies.
Kaelin 01.06.2017
Last year – GROW
This year – MINDFUL
Tricia 01.06.2017
I LOVE the gripe/grateful list idea. I’m going to try that tonight! Thanks for sharing!!!
Melanie 01.06.2017
My word of the year is focus. I want to focus on what is really important in my life. I want to focus on me and my family and my role at work.
Michelle 01.06.2017
Well, my word was going to be intentional, but I might just change it to nourish – b/c I”m an individual like that. I love it! Our small group meets tomorrow to define our words for the year! Thanks and I’d love a copy of the planner!
Corisa Jubinsky 01.06.2017
nooooooo … that was my word phrase (dramatic) ?
Terri A 01.06.2017
my word for this year is Strengthen – spiritually, physically, financially, obediently.
Lizzie 01.06.2017
Peace
Mollie 01.06.2017
My word of the year is “vulnerability” – having difficult conversations with loved ones, doing things even if they’re hard, being ok with my flaws, speaking to others about my shame. Through vulnerability we grow stronger and more wholehearted!
Amanda 01.06.2017
My word of the year is driven!
Amanda 01.06.2017
Driven!
Rachel S 01.06.2017
My word for the year is going to sound a bit weird but its full. I want my families life to be full of fun, excitement, experiences, but not full of stuff.
julia 01.06.2017
My word of the year is active!
Elizabeth 01.06.2017
My word of the year is “peace.”
Cara 01.06.2017
I love this idea! My word of the year is Simplify (although it is really hard to choose just one!) I am hopeful that will shift as the year goes on-as I am simplifying my focus will naturally come to rest on other things – goals, relationships, etc. Love the planner!
Katie @ 24 Carrot Life 01.06.2017
I love the look of this planner. My word for the year is focus!
emily 01.06.2017
My word for this year is CONTENT (as in, having contentment about my life).