New Lentil Soup Video + Thoughts on Choosing a 2024 "Word of the Year"
🥣 This is one of the healthiest soups you can make! Plus using words as guides for a gentle, yet powerful reminder to focus on creating positive change. Think more flow, less rigidity.
Hello!
And brrr! It just snowed for the first time since last year here in Seattle and it’s COLD. Being from Montana, I’m used to the cold, but something about the slightly humid cold hits you in the bones a little differently.
We’ll be cozied up making soup and watching movies this weekend.
Today, I have a NEW recipe video for you all about making the best lentil soup. A few secret ingredients take it from a “pretty good” soup to a “WOW, that’s amazing!” restaurant-worthy kind of soup.
This soup is not only delicious but uber nutritious, too. Lentils have a whopping 24 grams of protein per 1 cup cooked, 8 grams of fiber, and 0 sugar. If you're interested, I go into detail about why protein and fiber are the keys to optimal health here.
🖨️ Print the Lemony Red Lentil Soup recipe
🎥 Join me in my kitchen and watch the video
I typically upload videos the night before I send emails to make sure the tech all checks out, and I woke up to this lovely comment from a viewer, “I am 65 yrs old and clueless when it comes to cooking, I appreciate and thank you so very much, we are low income seniors and this recipe has helped me so much.”
I’m so grateful to be able to do this work! This reminded me to mention that not only are lentils big on nutrition, but they are also one of the most affordable items you can keep in your pantry. You can find more lentil recipes here if you need some ideas.
Have You Picked Your Word of the Year?
Also, as we enter 2024, it's the perfect time to embrace the "Word of the Year" tradition. This simple yet profound concept has been a cornerstone of my journey as a health coach since 2012. I love it because it allows for flow over rigidity.
If you read one of my last few emails, you know that I don’t believe in steadfast resolutions because they almost always end up making us feel stuck.
Instead of a resolution, your Word of the Year is a gentle yet powerful reminder to focus on creating positive change. It's about setting an intention, a theme for your year. It's about guiding your decisions and continuing to move toward what you want.
Your 'Word of the Year' offers direction without restricting your journey. This word isn't a suffocating command. It’s a supportive companion that propels you forward with purpose, leaving room for life's unexpected twists and turns (because there will always be twists and turns!).
How to Choose Your Word of the Year:
Grab a piece of paper and make two columns:
Column 1: What went well last year?
Column 2: What would you like to change?
Reflect on how the positive aspects made you feel and what you want more of.
Jot down one to five words that resonate with how you want this year to feel (ideas below)– nouns, verbs, any word that sparks joy and motivation.
Review and narrow down to that one word that speaks to your heart.
Need Some Inspiration?
Choosing a Word of the Year is a personal process.
This is by no means a comprehensive list, but if you need some inspiration, here are 50 words to spark creativity and reflection:
Transform
Courage
Harmony
Adventure
Balance
Resilience
Growth
Mindfulness
Joy
Empower
Focus
Heal
Innovate
Thrive
Simplify
Connect
Explore
Gratitude
Peace
Create
Nurture
Discover
Inspire
Flourish
Awaken
Believe
Reflect
Elevate
Persevere
Dream
Sustain
Empathy
Challenge
Diversity
Kindness
Wisdom
Freedom
Renew
Resolve
Engage
Passion
Vibrant
Calm
Illuminate
Transform
Integrity
Breathe
Aspire
Unite
Evolve
Each of these words carries its own unique energy and potential for personal transformation. The key is to find a word that resonates deeply with your aspirations and challenges for the year ahead.
Speak it into the world! Let us know your Word of the Year in the comments below ❤️
Where to Place Your Word: Write your chosen word on a pretty notecard, and place it where you'll see it daily - like your bathroom mirror, car's sun visor, office wall, or even as your phone's wallpaper. If you’re feeling it, perhaps make a vision board and stick your word of the year front and center.
Choosing a Word of the Year:
Brings You Simplicity and Focus
Creates Flexibility and Adaptability
Promotes Self-Reflection
Creates Intentionality
Encourages Growth and Development
Provides a Sense of Direction
Enhances Mindfulness
Builds Resilience
Encourages Positivity
Assists in Creating a Personal Narrative
You can read the full blog post about choosing your word of the year here.
Choosing a word of the year is a personal and inspiring process. There's no right or wrong choice – it's all about what resonates with you.
My Word for 2024 Is “Elevate”
This year, I've chosen Elevate. It reflects my excitement to elevate my health, home, and lifestyle and my aspiration to rise above challenges and lift others along the way.
To a wonderful 2024 and beyond!
Cheers!
Elizabeth