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!
Courtney 01.10.2017
My word this year is grow. I want to grow in every aspect of my life and to challenge myself to do so! Best wishes to you in 2017, Kristen!
Alisha 01.10.2017
My word is- Balance
Anna C. 01.10.2017
You got this!
Theresa j 01.09.2017
Get yourself organized!!!
Jim S 01.09.2017
empathy
Steph 01.09.2017
Keep on!
Jenelle 01.09.2017
Intentional!
Joan 01.09.2017
My word is ME. I’m turning 50 this year and most my adult life I’ve focused on making everyone else happy this year I’m focusing on making me happy
Jen Naus 01.09.2017
I have all my personal/family appointments, Landen’s hockey games, BGSU Falcon hockey games, 4H meetings, vacations, camping trips etc on my phone calendar. But my school “work” stuff is all written in my school planner, just to keep personal and work stuff separate. I’d be lost without either one! Your Nourished Planner looks like a great motivator throughout the entire year. I’d love to try it out!
Jocelyn 01.09.2017
Balance!
Peggy Gaylord 01.09.2017
My word for the year is “Breathe”. We are all so busy and can feel over-committed, over-socialized overwhelmed etc. …so when feeling harried and hassled, just take a few seconds to breathe and focus on taking a deep breath by drawing air through your nose and slowly releasing through your mouth. Do this a few times and your mood and perspective will change for the better :-). Happy 2017
Colene Raitt 01.09.2017
My word of the year is renew. I am currently going through a divorce so I will have to renew my life and renew how to go about life as a single mom. I will also have to renew my relationship with my 3 year old to show her that everything will be okay and that I will always be there for her even if the family dynamic is changing. I hope to renew the vision I have of myself and be able to revitalize myself and my life.
Ellen 01.09.2017
Present
Emily @Sinful Nutrition 01.09.2017
I think my word of the year is chance. Taking chances on new adventures in life that is worth trying. Thanks for the great giveaway!
Claire H. 01.09.2017
Choose
Amanda Buck 01.09.2017
My word of the year is… Positivity. I need more of that in my life!
Nichole 01.09.2017
My word of the year is Cherish! We are welcoming baby #2 next month and I have been working so hard to cherish every moment with our first child as well as preparing myself to cherish every moment of the newborn stages with our new blessing.
Teresa Off Rickel 01.09.2017
Wellness
Patti 01.09.2017
My word of the year is TRUST. I want to remember to trust the voice in my head first and foremost! I trust that most people are doing their best at any given time, so I want to remember that, even when people hurt or confuse me. I am in a relationship with a man I trust wholeheartedly. I want to remember that I have within me everything I need to be happy and healthy and I just need to let go of stress and trust God, myself and people : )
Thank you for this blog and for every delicious recipe!!!
Ariel 01.09.2017
My word for the year is “influence”. Loved your gripe/grateful list. Thanks for the reminder! :)