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Dear Friends,

I'm excited to let you know that I'll be participating in a retreat at Miraval Resort with Body & Soul Magazine, during the perfect time of year to visit Tucson, AZ -- Feb. 1-4, 2007.  This soul-nurturing event will include a variety of self-care programs, as well as two private workshops led by me for 25 participants who would like a deeper experience.  If you're interested in receiving more info as soon as it becomes available, send an email to: retreat@cherylrichardson.com, and you'll be the first to know more.

If you'd like to join me for a grace-filled evening of inspiration and fun in Medway, MA, on 10/19 at 7pm, please send and email to: lisasva@comcast.net for ticket information. 

This week's grace assignment:  Leave a Grace Card in a public bathroom.

Have a wonderful week!

Love,

Cheryl

p.s. - Need a little Divine Direction? Use the "Touch of Grace" button on our homepage here: http://www.cherylrichardson.com.

Last week, a close friend shared a wonderful story about receiving a supportive letter from a girlfriend during a time when she was consumed with caring for an aging parent.  The letter was sent with the intention of acknowledging her as a caregiver who often went unrecognized for her endless hard work.  The letter meant a lot to my friend -- it was such a beautiful gift.

The moment I heard her story, I loved the idea of writing a letter to a caregiver.  I know many of you take on that role every day of your lives.  Some of you are moms and dads who spend 24/7 caring for your kids.  Some of you grapple with the challenge of providing ongoing support for an aging parent.  And there are plenty of you who are engaged in the process of nurturing a loved one back to health. 

So, in the spirit of acknowledging the caregivers in our community, I thought I'd use this week's email to write you a letter.  I know first-hand (thanks to so many of you) that an encouraging word can make a world of difference.  If you're not a caregiver, please consider sending this letter to someone who is (feel free to replace the word "caregiver" with the person's name).  Here we go . . .

Dear Caregiver,

You are an amazing human being.  It takes a special kind of person to put their needs aside in service to another.  You do it everyday and I want you to know that your hard work has not gone unnoticed.  Your strength, determination, and willingness to show up -- to spend your precious time and energy on someone who needs you -- is a selfless act of good in the world.  We need more people like you. 

When you feel tired or frustrated by the fact that you can't get your own needs met right now, please remember this:

You are becoming a master at the art of compassion and love and I admire you.
Your kindness and generosity will be returned to you in unexpected ways.
Your giving is seen and appreciated by someone who cares.
You are stronger than you know.
Your turn will come.

For every encouraging word you speak, every tear you wipe, or meal you cook, please know that your contribution matters.  You're not only making a difference in the life of a single person, you're making a difference in the world.  After all, when you consider the big picture, what could possibly be more important than sharing our love? 

During this time, please take good care of yourself.  When you feel like you just can't do it anymore (and I know you feel that way at times), take a deep breath and trust that there are unseen forces available to you right now, in this moment.  Stop and ask for help.  Ask for the courage and strength to balance your self care with the care of your loved one.  When you need to, find someone to vent with every now and then.  It's normal to feel irritated, exhausted, or fed up with all you have to do.  Don't worry.  Good people get angry, too. 

Most of all, ask a Higher Power for clear signs of support so you know beyond a shadow of a doubt that you are not alone.  Then keep your eyes open.  An unexpected offer of help may appear out of nowhere, or a friend may call at the exact moment you need someone to listen. 

As you go about your week, please remember that someone cares about you.  While I know you need to be strong, every now and then, let the walls down a little so the people who love you and want to help, feel comfortable offering their support.  And when they do -- take them up on it :). 

Love,

Someone Who Cares

If you're a caregiver, make the above letter personal by changing the word "caregiver" to your name.  Then print it out and keep it nearby.  When you feel lonely, frustrated, or tired, reread the letter for a boost of energy, or a reminder of how important you are. 

• Did you know? You can now include a special note card with any order when buying gifts for loved ones in our webstore. Simply include the name and your message in the "comments" section of the online order form and we'll do the rest! To visit our online store, click here: http://www.myextremeselfcare.com.

• Join our team! We're searching for a new part-time assistant and if you, or someone you know, lives in the North Shore area of Massachusetts (or Southern New Hampshire), visit the following link for more details: www.cherylrichardson.com/Part-time-Assistant-Wanted.htm

• Have a question for me? Tune in to Coach on Call, our Internet talk radio show, and we'll talk live about everything from growing a business, to finding a new career, eliminating clutter, or getting past a financial challenge. Simply log onto www.hayhouseradio.com on Mondays at 5pm ET (2pm PT, 10pm GMT) and listen in. If you live within the US, call (866) 254-1579 and International callers dial: 1-760-918-4300 after dialing your country code..

• Check out the Practice Building Workshop telegathering on audio podium for those of you who are involved in service-oriented businesses (coach, therapist, accountant, lawyer, etc.) and want to build your client base in a relaxed and authentic way. You can listen and learn about the important steps for practice development by calling (405) 244-4000 - Box 104. For more info on our PBW audio program, visit: www.cherylrichardson.com/store/practicebuilding.htm.

• Want a few great gift ideas? Consider the following from our webstore at www.myextremeselfcare.com:

• Have a copy of "The Unmistakable Touch of Grace" personally signed for a loved one who needs encouragement, comfort, or support. Be sure to put the person's name in the comments section of the online order form (put your name if you'd like it signed to you), and I'll also write a unique inspirational note.

• Put a Mesmerizing Oggz Egg on an outdoor table at night during a barbecue or party.

• Give an Oggz Egg as a hostess gift.

• Write several encouraging notes throughout our beautiful journal with intricate inlay and give it to a friend who might benefit from journaling - a healthy, life changing habit.

• Give a copy of our "Finding Your Passion" audio program to a loved one who's looking for a career change.

• Use individual Self Care Cards or Grace Cards from our decks to surprise someone with an unexpected gift. leave one with a tip at a restaurant, put one in each bill you pay, or slip one to the drive-through teller at the bank. For more great ideas, click here: www.cherylrichardson.com/store/gracecards.htm.

You'll find these gifts, and others, in our webstore here: http://www.cherylrichardson.com/store/index.htm