by Susie Michelle Cortright
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Susie Cortright is the founder of momscape.com -
http://www.momscape.com - an award-winning online magazine that helps busy
moms find balance. She also publishes a free weekly scrapbooking newsletter,
featuring best of the net design ideas and advanced techniques:
http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking And her online scrapbooking boutique
features gorgeous kits and papers: http://www.momscape.com/scrapbooking/scrapbooking-supply