January Soul Snacks
By: Susie Michelle Cortright,
http://www.momscape.com
Soul Snacks are spontaneous time-outs:
creative ways you can nurture your spirit in 15 minutes or less.
Here's a week's worth, specially designed to help you infuse this cold season
with joy and warmth.
Day One
Regardless of how you're doing with your New Year's Resolutions, let us take
this day to put a positive spin on things. Ask yourself: In what ways is your
life right on track? What do you love about the way your life is right now?
Record your thoughts and insights in your journal. (An affordable luxury to help
you: Jennifer Louden's Inner Organizer for 2004 at
http://www.momscape.com/a/comfortqueen.htm )
Day Two
Make sure your dollars are doing what you want them to in this world. Check the
evaluation of your favorite stores' social and environmental performance here:
http://www.responsibleshopper.org (For more information, read Eliza Bloom's
"How to Make a Difference with Your Dollars":
http://www.momscape.com/articles/bloom/dollars.htm )
Day Three
Start the "Generosity Game" in your neighborhood. It all starts with a card
inviting you to do a good turn for someone - anonymously. Then you pass on the
card, which invites the kindness recipient to go perform a random act of
kindness for someone else. You can download and print the cards at the
Generosity Game website. The site also provides more information on the game and
fosters imagination on creative ways to make the world a little nicer.
http://www.generosity.org
Day Four
A recent study indicates that a weekly talk with a friend can be as effective
against moderate depression as counseling or antidepressants. Even if you're not
feeling blue, call a friend who may be having a tough time. Meet her for coffee
or a jog through the park. Let her know how much she means to you.
Day Five
Put aromatherapy to work for you. Try an energizing scent, such as orange - or a
soothing scent, such as lavender. Combine two drops of essential oil to a
teaspoon of safflower or canola oil, whatever's on hand. Massage the blend onto
your pulse points. Another affordable luxury: you can download aromatherapist
Francoise Rapp's "Spa Recipes for All Seasons" for free here:
http://www.momscape.com/aromalchemy
Day Six
Treat yourself to a new magazine full of new recipes that are just right for the
season. Bon Appetit and
Cooking Light (if you're watching your calories) are great choices. Get good
deals and free gifts on these magazines here:
http://www.momscape.com/a/bluedolphin.htm
Day Seven
Brainstorm ways you can get away from it all in 15 minutes or less. Whether it's
an indulgent bath, a phone call to a distant friend, or quiet time with a good
novel, schedule one of these "escape tasks" for today. Then call a friend and
encourage her to do the same.
