Soul Snacks are spontaneous time-outs; creative ways you can nurture your spirit in 15 minutes or less. Here are a week's worth, especially for this season of beauty and transition.

Day One
Grab a friend and set out for an autumn hike in the prettiest area you can think of within a few minutes of your home. On your walk, make an agreement with your friend to neither gossip nor complain. See what new conversations arise under these guidelines.

Day Two
Invite over your next-door neighbor for hot-mulled cider. Need a recipe? Here's a good one:
http://www.mixed-drink.com/NonAlcoholic/HotDrinks/hotmulledcider.html

Day Three
Buy three copies of your favorite novel. Give one copy to your best friend, one to your mother, and one to your mother-in-law. You'll trigger an interesting book discussion (or an enriching tradition of book-swapping).

Day Four
Treat yourself to a fall flower arrangement, complete with vibrant shades of red, yellow, and orange. Set the arrangement on your desk, windowsill, or kitchen table-- wherever you're sure to see it throughout the day.

Day Five
This evening, gather your entire family to watch the sunset. The only rule: no one speaks until the sun has completely nestled into the horizon. Use the quiet time to meditate and reflect.

Day Six
Go through your closet and make room for fall clothes by storing your summery items. Before you do, ensure a nice future surprise by slipping a $10 bill in the pocket of your favorite summer outfit.

Day Seven
Challenge yourself to offer a sincere compliment to each person you speak with today. Work on weaving the kind words into each conversation. Such a habit will transfer a feeling of goodwill to everyone around you, and it may help you overcome shyness. After all, now you've always got something to say!

Now make up your own soul snacks...something you can do that nurtures your spirit in 15 minutes or less.

Copyright© 2003 Susie Michelle Cortright

Susie Michelle Cortright is the creator of the Soul Snacks booklet series: http://www.momscape.com/soulsnacks and the founder of the award-winning website Momscape.com

Visit today to get her free course-by-email, "6 Days to Less Stress": http://www.momscape.com