The Monthly Fill: November Edition
Unpopular opinion: I put up my Christmas tree on November 1st.
I know. You have a lot of thoughts. It’s not for everyone, but it brings me joy and I’m all about that joy, even if it’s not “acceptable.” Those twinkling lights on my Christmas tree help me find more life on the long, dark days of winter.
Speaking of darkness, I think it’s worth discussing, at least how to embrace it and even thrive in it during the long winter months. I’ll be honest, this hasn’t always been my strong suit. But over the years, I’ve learned that while darkness can feel heavy, it can also be deeply healing. It’s all in how you use it.
Coming up this month, I’m sharing some unique thoughts on how to use the dark, cold winter months to accelerate healing (and prevent sickness this season). Stay tuned…I’m excited to fill you in.
Coming this month!
Along with that new post on healing in the darkness, here’s what else is coming to The Living Well in November:
Reader Advice: The best health advice you’ve ever received
Thoughts on Advent
The Ultimate Holiday Sugar Guide
Reader Story: What I learned from walking one million steps in 90 Days
The One Planning Habit That Can Change Your Whole Year
4 Tips To Boost Your Libido
PLUS! Here at The Weekly Fill, we’re hosting a mini-class on Creating Food Freedom (information you need before the Holidays), and starting November 20th, we’re kicking off the 6-Week Holiday Walking Challenge!
Become a paid subscriber to join the class and walking challenge and jumpstart your new year’s goals!
The 2026 Nourished Planner is officially shipping!
If you haven’t experienced the value of the Nourished Planner, I’d highly suggest you check it out. It’s more than your average planner. It's a tool that helps you set outcomes, create rhythms, and structure that support your health, with the goal to make space for what matters most.
Check out the new home of the Nourished Planner, and try the free weekly planning page to see how it can help you design a life you actually want to live.
Besides the Nourished Planner (which has been my go-to for the last eight years), here are a few things that I’m loving lately:
My Ra Optics glasses for keeping light hygiene in check — my secret weapon for better sleep. Use the code LIVINGWELL at checkout for 10% off.
This book series was hard to put down.
These rice bags are a winter staple in our house (my girls love them).
If you need something for your wishlist, I rarely go a day without my Garmin Watch (I think it’s better than an Apple Watch).
This recipe was a total hit.
Now it’s your turn! What are you loving, reading, or eating lately? Leave a comment below and share your favorites!
November Thought: Felt Gratitude
Not to spoil it, but the 2026 Nourished Planner theme for November is Felt Gratitude (and yes, the monthly themes are one of everyone’s favorite features).
Felt gratitude is a little different from spoken gratitude. It’s gratitude that you feel. The warmth of your coffee mug. The way that sermon hit your heart. The scent of your kid when they hug you. The sunlight hitting your kitchen table just right.
It’s about moving gratitude from your head to your heart, shifting from thinking gratitude to feeling it. This has so many additional benefits, including regulating your nervous system, opening your heart, and helping you reconnect with life’s natural rhythm.
As the holidays bring their usual rush, try to linger in your moments. Don’t do more, but allow yourself to feel more. You’ll be surprised how much fuller life becomes when you let gratitude move through you instead of keeping it stuck in your head.
Don’t miss this:
In case you missed it, I rounded up the best of what happened this month.
This month, take time to set your own November outcomes. Make a list of a few things you want to move toward with intention and purpose.
Here are a few from my list to inspire yours:
Practice Felt Gratitude: Let myself feel gratitude daily.
Practice Good Light Hygiene: Get at least five minutes of morning sunlight and dim the lights after sunset.
Get Cozy: Don’t let the darker days overwhelm. Bring warmth to space, even if it’s lighting a candle while cooking dinner.
Practice the 3-2-8 method: Focusing on strength building and gentle consistency.
Go to bed 30 minutes earlier: Even if it doesn’t involve sleep right away, create space for my body to slow down.
Read one Book of the Bible: Think of it like reading any other story. Pick a book and read it like one (don’t get hung up on how many chapters each day).
Speak Kind Words Out Loud: Speak life into your space. Each day, offer one kind word to yourself or someone else.
Stop Complaining: If (or when) it happens, redirect the words to what is positive.
Declutter One Space a Week: Clear any unnecessary physical clutter (the holidays tend to bring more than enough).
Walk Daily (Even for 10 Minutes): Walking is one of the best tools of medicine. Get outside as often as possible, even for ten minutes a day, and move your body.
It’s going to be a great month! Remember, overwhelm is a choice. Decide how you want your month to go, and go live it!
Happy November!
I made the chicken and wild rice soup. My husband loved it! Also ordered the AG 1 greens you recommended and can't wait to try those.👍😁