This Year - Feed Your Soul!

Last week, we discussed the importance of feeding your body right in the new year. This week, we wanted to go deeper and talk about feeding your soul. Feeding your soul isn't just about doing more, maybe it's also about doing less, less of what isn't working. That way, you have more room in your life for what you want to be doing and there are more opportunities for others in what you refuse.

We've compiled a list of 10 simple ways for you to recharge and feed your soul in 2012.

1. Read - It doesn't have to be a book and it doesn't have to have a purpose. Simply enjoy whichever story you choose. 
2. Volunteer - Even if you only have an hour a month. Pick an organization that champions a cause you can really get behind. We guarantee your soul will feel quite fulfilled. 
3. Cook - Whether its learning how to prepare your favorite meal or simply baking cupcakes for your friend's birthday, you've accomplished something. 
4. Spend Time By Yourself - Enjoy your own company and delight in relaxing, quiet solitude (or rock out, if that's what you prefer). 
5. Set Goals - Realistic goals! Then, establish benchmarks to track your progress and tangibly reward yourself when you reach them. For help, we suggest looking up some Zig Ziglar presentations.
6. Treat Yourself to "Dessert" - It doesn't have to even be a sweet treat. Simply reward yourself for no reason at all once in awhile. In moderation, a reward might be just what you need to recharge! As Erma Bombeck famously said, "Seize the moment. Remember all those women on the 'Titanic' who waved off the dessert cart."
7. Soak up the Sun - In winter, it seems so dark all the time. We leave for work in the dark, and we return in the dark. Make time to feel the sunshine on your face and not just through your office window. 
8. Go Ahead, Open That Bottle! - You know the one, that bottle of wine you've been saving for a special occasion. A Friday night's as good as any. Ahhh...much better, right?
9. Get Out of Dodge - Even if you can't squeeze in a full-on tropical vacation, there are plenty of great day and weekend trip destinations within mere hours of the metro. How about a drive down to Lake Pepin to watch the eagles, a summer lunch on the patio of a restaurant on the St. Croix, or a trip to the North Shore when the leaves are just turning? 
10. Take After Mr. Rogers - Seek out ways to be a good neighbor. While that may just mean taking time to say hello to your neighbors after work or even taking a little extra time to shovel their walk as well, the friendly acts and assured reciprocity is bound to linger on throughout the year. 

This year, we hope that you take the time to feed your soul as well as your body! 

Let us know if we missed any in our list above. We'd love to hear how you feed your soul.