What Nourish Means to Annie

Nourishing Growth: Finding Joy, Balance, and Purpose

I am Annie Greve, a creative specialist at Emerge. I focus on event planning and logistics for Evolution of the Heartland and provide support for other clients and our team as needed. I love working at Emerge with our team of women and collaborating with clients to revitalize rural Iowa. This year, our team is reflecting on the word nourish – what it means to us and how we can apply it to our lives. Here’s my take on nourishment and how I’m prioritizing it in 2025!

What Does Nourish Mean to Me?

To me, nourish means to care for, help grow, and provide what is needed to be healthy and successful. In my own life, I feel nourished when I find peace and happiness. I also love taking care of my family and friends, making sure they feel supported, valued, and appreciated.

My Goals for Nourishment This Year

One of my biggest goals this year is to be healthier, both physically and mentally. I want to nourish my body with the right fuel while also mentally feeding myself with things that bring me joy, both personally and in my job. Whether it’s making better food choices or taking time for myself, I’m prioritizing balance and well-being.

 

A Nourishing Daily Rhythm

One of my favorite daily routines is reading. I’ve been making a conscious effort to find at least 10 minutes each day to read, typically before bed. It helps me wind down and relax, especially when I’m curled up with a book in bed and the fireplace going. This small but powerful habit nourishes my mind and provides a peaceful end to my day.

 

Nourishing the Soul Through Kindness

Lately, I’ve been focusing on nourishing my soul by spreading positivity. I make an effort to compliment my family more often, and I even extend that kindness to strangers. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing the smiles on my kids’ and husband’s faces, or the unexpected joy on a stranger’s face after a simple kind word. Small acts of kindness go a long way in making the world a better place.

 

A Nourishing Family Recipe: Mom’s Meatballs

Cooking for my family is one way I show love and care. One of my all-time favorite recipes is my mom’s homemade meatballs. Every time I make them, I feel like I’m providing my family with a comforting, home-cooked meal straight from the heart.

Mom’s Meatballs Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2-2 lbs ground beef
• 1 egg
• 1 cup milk
• 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 2 tbsp ketchup
• 1 1/2 tsp seasoning salt
• 2 tbsp dried onion flakes
• 2 cups crushed corn flakes

Instructions:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Beat egg, then mix in remaining ingredients.
3. Shape into tennis ball-sized portions and place on a baking sheet.
4. Bake for 45-60 minutes.

Topping:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 1/2 cup brown sugar
• 1 tsp dry mustard

Topping Instructions:

1. Stir together ingredients and spoon over meatballs during the last 15-20 minutes of baking.

 

Looking Ahead: Nourishing Our Team and Clients

This past year has been an incredible period of growth for both the Emerge team and our clients. As we move forward, I’m excited to focus on nourishing these relationships—making sure our team feels valued, our clients feel supported, and that we continue to grow in a way that’s meaningful and sustainable.

What does nourishment look like for you? I encourage you to take time this year to find what fills your cup and brings you joy. Whether it’s through small daily habits, meaningful relationships, or simple acts of kindness, true nourishment comes from caring for yourself and those around you.

Check out our other nourishing blogs!