This year, I set one simple intention: to feel content.
Not constantly chasing the next thing, not wishing for different circumstances, but genuinely appreciating where I am in whatever moment that is.
And here’s the thing—it worked.
So many things felt really good to me this year.
Of course there were struggles and hard things (that’s life, right?), but overall? I can honestly say this has been my best year ever.
So I wanted to share the six resources that helped me get here.
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Video Version
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Some are tools, some are programs and books, but all of them contributed to creating that deep sense of contentment I was craving.
1. A To-Do List That Actually Works
I discovered a to-do list app called Teux Deux a couple of months ago, and I’m honestly obsessed. If you’re a list lover like me (hello, fellow Virgos!), you’ll understand the pure joy of ticking things off.
What makes this one different? It combines lists with a calendar. You can brain dump tasks as they come to you, or schedule them for specific days. And since it syncs across devices, I can capture ideas whenever they strike—no more wishing I had my bullet journal with me.
It’s simple, intuitive, and has made me way more productive. Sometimes the smallest systems create the biggest shifts.
2. Fearless Living Academy
I reconnected with Leo Babauta from Zen Habits this year—he was one of the first bloggers who introduced me to minimalism years ago.
The biggest gift from his program? Learning about radical acceptance.
When you can just accept the people in your life as they are—even if it’s driving you crazy, even if it’s annoying—it changes everything. The practice is simple: when you notice yourself getting agitated about something, just think “this is what is.”
That’s it.
It removes all the struggle and drama and the need to change things. It helps you feel less discontent in the moment, and then makes it easier to know how to proceed next.
3. Gentle by Courtney Carver
My friend Courtney’s new book came out in February, and it’s all about resting more and doing less. I read it a couple of times throughout the year because honestly? That’s what my soul has been craving.
The message is simple: put less on your to-do lists. Have more space to just be.
Following what Courtney recommends about simplifying has created more space for me to hang out in the garden, to rest, to give myself permission to just… exist without constantly producing. And it’s been so fun.
If you haven’t read Gentle yet, I highly recommend it.
4. BrainTap Meditation App
I have a strong meditation practice—every morning I do at least 10 minutes as part of my ritual. This year I discovered BrainTap, which uses sound and guided meditations to help reprogram subconscious beliefs about yourself.
It’s been a powerful addition to my morning routine and has definitely contributed to that sense of contentment I’ve been cultivating.
5. Making Moves Podcast
Vanya is a movement coach who focuses on aging well through natural movement and mobility.
Her approach completely shifted how I think about movement.
Now I’m incorporating movement throughout my entire day—I walk while I work on my treadmill desk, I squat while I’m hanging out, I focus on getting down on the ground and back up regularly.
My body feels amazing for it. And while movement isn’t my area of expertise, I know it’s a core foundation for feeling great in your fifties, sixties, seventies, and beyond. So I’m passing you over to Vanya for this piece while you stay with me for the food side of things.
6. Rich As F*ck by Amanda Francis
I’ll be honest—Audible had been suggesting this book to me for years, and I kept judging it by its cover (literally—it’s Amanda sitting in a bathtub full of cash). But when a friend in my business mastermind raved about it, I finally gave it a try.
And wow. She was right.
If you want to work on creating a more abundant relationship with money and upleveling your money mindset, don’t judge this book by its terrible cover. I bought both the audiobook and the Kindle version so I could do the journaling exercises.
It’s definitely contributed to me feeling like this is my best year ever—especially that sense of contentment around my finances and actually appreciating what I already have.
The Common Thread
You know what ties all of these together?
They’re about acceptance, simplification, and creating space. They’re about being kinder to myself and appreciating what already is rather than
And that’s made all the difference.
So here’s my question for you:
What would your best year ever feel like?
What one word might guide you there?
Because sometimes, the simplest intentions create the most profound shifts.
In your corner,
Jules xx
(your favourite Australian food scientist)
6 RECOURCES
1. Teux Deux
2. Zen Habits
3. Gentle by Courtney Carver
4. Brain Tap Meditation App
5. Rich as F *** by Amanda Frances
6. Making Moves Podcast on Apple or Spotify
You’re Invited
If you want to make 2026 your best year ever from. health perspective – come and join us in Joyful Cooking for Natural Vitality.
It’s my un 6-month coaching program that walks you through my easy proven process for cooking WITHOUT recipes, building good food habits (and breaking bad ones) to support a healthy body, brain and gut.
You’ll embed tiny sustainable habits to become a naturally healthy intuitive cook who enjoys more delicious protein and veggie-rich meals with less effort.
Through gentle repetition, these habits become second nature – so you naturally enjoy youthful vitality AND improve ALL areas of your health now. Plus you’ll minimize disease risk for decades to come.
After 6-months you’ll:
- Look and feel good for your age (thicker hair, clearer skin).
- Pull together quick nourishing meals WITHOUT recipes (so your waistline and your brain feels better)
- Actually WANT to cook healthy meals (even after terrible days)
- Use what’s already in your fridge (less waste, more savings)
- Balance your hormones and improve mood.
- Clear brain fog (so when you walk into a room you remember why you went there)
- Reduce cravings.
- Strengthen your immunity
- Improve your sleep.
- Have tiny habits that support lifelong vitality (so you take good care of yourself even when life gets busy).
- Feel better in your body and brain.
- Feel proud of yourself for taking care of your health.
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See All Joyful Eating for Menopause Podcast Episodes
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