January Soul Snacks
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.