Word of the Year – Mid-Year Check-in

At the start of this year, I chose Nourish as my word. I wanted to be more intentional about how I take care of myself — physically, mentally, and emotionally.

I don’t know about you, but there have been years where I’ve selected a word in January only to lose sight of it as the pull of the year goes on – Life gets busy, priorities shift.

This year, I think I’ve done a pretty good job of keeping Nourish front and center. Now that we’re halfway through the year, for this week’s Fit Five Friday, I thought I’d share five ways I’ve stayed connected to my word.

Fit Five Friday: Word of the Year – Mid-Year Check-in

Prioritizing My Recovery
Number one on my list has been prioritizing my recovery following hip surgery. I’ve stayed consistent with physical therapy, daily walking, stretching, and have begun slowly rebuilding my strength training. I’ve tried to give myself grace, honor where I am, and celebrate progress — even when it’s incremental.

Getting Back in the Garden
After not gardening much last year (thanks to the cranky hip!), I’ve been soaking up every moment in the dirt this season. Gardening has always been grounding for me, and this return has been a true source of joy and peace. There’s something incredibly nourishing about tending to plants and watching things grow.

More Reading (and Joining a Book Club!)
I love to read but have not always made time for it as much as I have wanted. Over the past 6 months, I’ve carved out more time to read, and, as I recently shared over coffee, even joined a book club — something I hadn’t done in quite a while. Reading has become a new rhythm that feeds my creativity and gives me a much-needed pause in the day.

Protecting My Peace
I’ve taken a step back from social media and turned down the volume on the negativity that can so easily dominate the current news cycle. With less running in my routine right now, I’ve worked to expand my feed to include more of the things I’m currently loving — gardening, cooking, wellness, and home decor. Fitness is still a priority, but I’m also enjoying drawing inspiration from other interests.

Journaling with Intention
I’ve used Nourish as a journaling prompt, often asking: How can I nourish myself this week? or What do I need more of right now? These quiet check-ins have helped me be more intentional with my time and energy. I’m saying “no” more often to what doesn’t spark joy and letting go of the guilt that used to come with that.

As I look ahead to the rest of the year, I want to keep exploring new interests and making space for the hobbies that fill me up — like cooking and photography.

If your word of the year or goals have drifted into the background, now might be the perfect time to reconnect. It’s never too late to nourish what matters most – like what I did there 😉

How do you keep your Word of the Year or goals front and center?

Welcome to Fit Five Friday!

Join My First 5K and More, Running With Attitude, Run Laugh Eat Pie, Runs with Pugs, and The Running Teacher every Friday for Fit Five Friday! Share your fitness-related link, link back to your hosts, and please share the link love by visiting and commenting on your hosts and at least two other Fit Five Friday bloggers!