What if 2026 was the year we shared more about others who have inspired us?

Talked about the great work others are doing in rooms they may not be part of.

And, the difference many are making.

For the last number of months, I have been working on a Cookbook – Our Favourite Things – Collection of Gluten-Free Goodies.

This is not just a cookbook, it is so much more.

As many of you know I was in an accident in 2018, that seriously disrupted my life. I continue to discover those ways to learn to learn again.

I had the true joy to work with a talented physio Klara Schwab, for several years. She encouraged me to take a recipe, make it more nutrient-dense, and then type it up.

This became the start of these recipes and how I learned to type again. Whoever thought rehab in the kitchen was a real thing?

Klara shared this thought on “Our Favourite Things – Collection of Gluten-Free Goodies”

I call my recovery journey “Project Me”.

Similar to how you build an infrastructure team, this is how I continue to build Project Me, that includes Physio, 1:1 Pilates, Acupuncture, Massage and Lymphatic Drainage.

For each recipe, I share a story on where the inspiration came from.

A few examples:

The Cranberry Apple Muffins inspired by Rita Ernst, Positivity Influencer

The Orange Cacao Tahini Cookies, inspired by Rachel Molenda

Orange and Cacao Nut and Seed Bark inspired by Joanna Brown

Chocolate Cherry Almond Cookies inspired by a recipe in the Magnolia Journal.

Pecan Peanut Butter Cookies, inspired by Rob Domeij’s recipe in the LMS Reinforcing Steel Group Family cookbook.

And so many others.

As my husband and others love Nanaimo Bars, I was on a quest to make a “Healthier Option”.  This recipe includes no food dyes, coconut, or graham crackers and won a local award on Vancouver Island a few years ago.

Throughout Our Favourite Things, I share more about my story.

And, I also highlight the ways I continue to learn again and some of my favourite brands.

These are two of the brands featured.

Denman Island Tea Co.  featured in the Earl Grey Shortbread.

Gathering Place Trading Spices, that are featured in many different recipes.

These are both Vancouver Island Companies.

Our Favourite Things also includes photography throughout BC and a collection of quotes from many talented leaders.

Summer afternoon at Muncho Lake in northern BC.

Like many projects, this one came to life because of a beautiful team.

A Special thanks to:
Tracy Ford and Esther Sarlo – Because YOU Matter for their amazing editing talents
Anne Dunnett for her amazing design talents, in bringing this project to life.
Bart van der Linde at In-Print in North Vancouver.
And, to all those who have continued to taste test as these recipes came to life.

Cost is $18.99 plus gst, Canadian.

Shipping within Canada is $6.00.

For me, this is a small ways to highlight those who continue to inspire me.

Along with, a small collection of the individuals and organizations I love to introduce to others.

What if 2026 was the year, we talked about the work of another person in a room they may not be part of?

Or celebrated the difference an individual, team and/or organization continues make?

My hope is by sharing who has inspired me, this will open a window for others to do the same.

Sunrise at the Lions Gate Bridge in Vancouver, BC.

As always,

Be kind
Be patient
Be nourished in all you do.

At The Nourished Executive we empower leaders to invest in their well-being, with a holistic lens, to prevent burnout.

Our founder, Sharon K. Summerfield, is a Connector, Holistic Nutritionist and Wellness Advocate, with demonstrated success in nurturing healthy employees and high-performing organizations.

Our vision is to create cultures and communities of care, where no one experiences burnout.

We have a strong commitment to giving back, investing and supporting local community.