GON Reader Letter #1
Keep Scissors Where You Need ThemI liked the suggestion about having chapstick in all the places that you need it in your June 10th issue. I always carry it in my purse and on my nightstand, but I’m
going to think about other places that I might need it. On a similar note, I do this with my scissors. I have them at my desk and a special pair in my sewing area. But I also have a small pair in my laundry room (for cutting off tags or threads), one in my kitchen (all those bags that are sealed), one in the den (for
opening packages or sealed envelopes), and in the bathroom (again those sealed packages that just do not tear). Scissors are inexpensive and you can
match the size to the intended use. I also do this with some of my cleaning supplies like paper towels or Windex. I have Windex and paper towels in both bathrooms, kitchen, garage and even a set I keep on our small pontoon boat. You also can buy large refill sizes and save money rather than buying new ones when they run out. I mark in
permanent marker where each bottle belongs so when hubs grabs one I know where to return it.
Enjoy your newsletter!
-- Cindy S., Clarksville, TN
A note from Maria...
Cindy, Yes, having scissors and cleaning supplies in all the right spots truly saves time—and your labeling system is right on!
GON Reader Letter #2
A Hilarious Mix-Up
Hi Maria,
I am always stubbing, dropping something on, or getting sand between my toes. I thought you had come up with a clever new item to protect our toes at the beach. Ha ha!
--
Dale J.
A note from Maria...
Dale, this gave me a good laugh! “Beach toes” might just become a real thing now thanks to my typo!
GON Reader Letter #3
One Thing a Day: The Power of Small Wins
I have been a subscriber (from Wisconsin too) for many years. Getting your newsletter is like receiving an email from a friend!
I could relate to your May 15th issue about being tired. I have a disorder that
causes me to have chronic fatigue. Every day I work on getting at least one thing done. Before I go to sleep at night, I do a replay of my day, and thank God for helping me to get my tasks done.
-- Debbie Wochos
A note from Maria...
Debbie, thank you so much for sharing this. Your end-of-day gratitude ritual is beautiful and powerful. It’s a gentle reminder that even the smallest accomplishments truly
count.
GON Reader Letter #4
Leveling Up During Ad
Breaks
Maria,
I'm a senior (80's) who spends way too much time sitting at my computer playing
games. All the games I play are free with ads. I would sit through the ads grumbling to myself. Then I saw them as an opportunity. I could spend the 30 seconds of the ad standing up, walking in place, and/or thrusting my arms into the air or doing little boxing jabs.
Now that I think about it, I'd love for you to suggest some mini exercises to do either during those 30-second advertising breaks or a two-minute exercise that I could do every fifteen or twenty minutes when I'm doing actual work on my computer.
-- Byrd in Maryland
A note from Maria...
Byrd, Wonderful! Turning ad time into active time is exactly the kind of thinking I love. I’ll be including some simple mini-moves in an upcoming issue for you—and anyone
else looking to move more during screen time.
GON Reader Letter #5
Facing the Folders: A Reader’s Tender Truth
Maria,
I just opened this email from you, May 25th issue, and the “just one thing” mention brought me to
tears.My husband just passed away on May 16 and I'm trying to go through all folders/files on his computer to see what's what and if there is anything that's important that I have to deal with ASAP. There are so many folders/files that he named that I
have no idea what they're supposed to be. I have to open up each and every one and actually see what these documents are.
This is just so overwhelming that I can only do so many before the tears break me down. I know he didn't do this to make it more difficult for me, but it is what it is.
Once I finish with his computer, I will tackle mine. I know I must have documents etc. named that I KNOW what they are, but will someone going through them know what they are? I have to see them through the eyes of someone else.
And all our important papers I will scan and label them clearly on my computer. But not today. There really is no motivation and I'm just not up to the task at this moment.
Thank you for your newsletter.
-- Barb
A note from Maria...
Barb, your note moved me deeply. I’m so sorry for your loss. Heartbreaking. Thank you for sharing such a personal and painful
moment.
You’re absolutely right—clear labeling isn’t just for us, it’s a true gift to those we leave behind. Please be gentle with yourself as you move through this at your own pace. Sending hugs and prayers!
On another note...
Beauty on a Budget...High-end beauty can be expensive. So I created this special list of affordable beauty products I use that give you the same luxurious results for a
lot less! Visit: Beauty on a Budget
