Dear Friend,

Greetings from the freshly snow-capped mountains of Colorado! Welcome back to Sip of Soup, my free bi-monthly E-sip offering a taste of insight and lessons to help you keep caring while living a more balanced life.

Sip of Soup - September/October 2007

Positivity TM Power 70 days until Christmas?! Does that thought fill you with both eager anticipation and anxiety? I have't even put away my summer shorts or raked my leaves, yet an inflatable snowman waved to me as Jingle Bells played at the department store this week! At this time of year, are you thinking, I'm barely getting it all done now, how can I do all this and add holiday activities and work too? The answer is…you can't. Something has to givve, and this year, don't let it be you. During holidays, people (especially women) tend to take poorer care of themselves than usual. These tips will help make this your happiest, healthiest holiday yet!

Lessons from LeAnn + Pay attention to and nurture your mind, body and spirit. Depleting yourself of sleep, nutrition, and exercise is sure to make it a bah-humbug season. + Have realistic expectations. Don't shoot for perfect, shoot for fun. (Besides you, who really cares if the house is spotless or the decorations and delicacies homemade?) + Set limits. Be selective about where and how you use your resources, physically, mentally, emotionally and financially. + Connect with people who are important. Instead of buying a gift, write letters of appreciation to people you care about. This is the most treasured gift they'll get. + Savor the small moments. Remember, the holidays are a season, not just a day. + Delegate. Ask for help (nicely). Often, family members are eager to pitch in. + Pray and/or meditate 15 minutes each day. Recall the holy reason for this season. + Remember that these holidays are not about proving yourself, but sharing yourself. Take the remainder of this month to make a list of activities and connections that will make this a meaningful, beautiful holiday for you. Prioritize these. Then add the other hassles and hustling as your mind, body, spirit, and time allow.

Soup for the Day; a healthy quote: The ordinary acts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest. - Thomas Moore (1779-1852) * to order personally signed copies of LeAnn's Chicken Soup for the Soul books for Christmas, see her online shopping cart. Online Shopping Cart

Positively yours,

* to have LeAnn speak at your hospital or organization, see her website at NurseRecruitmentandRetention.com or call her toll-free at 877-THIEMAN (877-844-3626) Nurse Recruitment and Retention

A Sip of Soup is written by LeAnn Thieman; nurse, certified speaking professional and co-author of the New York Times bestseller Chicken Soup for the Nurse's Soul, and also Chicken Soup for the Caregiver's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Christian Woman's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Father and Daughter Soul, Chicken Soup for the Grandma's Soul, Chicken Soup for the Christian Soul 2 and Chicken Soup for the Mother and Son Soul. To have her inspire your team members, or to order her books, CD's and DVD's contact LeAnn at 1-877-THIEMAN or www.LeAnnThieman.com.