Aug 6 - When She Finally Let it Go - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Wed, 08/06/25

Updated: Thu, 08/07/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

August 6, 2025

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Look around today for one item you're keeping out of guilt. Let it go.

When She Finally Let it Go

My friend Karen told me a story a few years ago that stuck with me.

Years ago, Karen’s mother gave her a large serving dish. It was heavy, a little old-fashioned, with a floral pattern she wouldn’t have picked out herself. But it had been her mother’s, and her grandmother’s before that, so she kept it. Moved it from house to house. Stored it in the bottom kitchen cabinet. Lugged it up and down when rearranging things. And never used it.

“I felt guilty even thinking about letting it go,” she said. “It had history. It meant something. But the truth was, I didn’t love it, I never used it, and every time I saw it, I felt that little tug of ‘should.’”

The moment came on a regular Tuesday when she was cleaning out her kitchen. She picked up the dish and thought, If I haven’t used it by now, I probably never will. And more importantly: This doesn’t make me feel close to my mom. It just makes me feel stuck.

She donated it that day.

And here’s the part she told me with a light in her eyes: “It felt like a weight came off my shoulders. I didn’t realize how much it was taking up space...not just in my cabinet, but in my mind. I kept something out of guilt, not joy. And when I let it go, I made space for something that actually fits my life today.”

Karen still keeps a few things from her mom...photos, letters, a teacup she actually drinks from. But the big dish? She’s never missed it.

What she gained instead was something far more valuable: clarity, space, and a little more lightness in her day. Letting go doesn’t mean forgetting. Sometimes it simply means choosing what truly matters now...and making peace with the rest.

On another note...

We all have those people in our lives who are nearly impossible to shop for...they seem to have everything! In light of this, I’ve curated a list of practical, thoughtful, and delightfully unexpected gift ideas they’re sure to love. Visit:

Gifts for the Person That Has Everything

Victorian-Era Cleaning Schedules

Back in the Victorian era, homemaking wasn’t just a task. It was a strict weekly rhythm. Each day had its purpose, and the routines were as ingrained as mealtimes.

Monday was laundry day, which meant hauling water, scrubbing clothes by hand, and hanging heavy linens to dry.

Tuesday was for ironing...no lightweight wrinkle-releasers back then!

Wednesday brought mending and sewing.

Thursday was for baking.

Friday was for cleaning and polishing.

Saturday was errands...

and Sunday was a well-earned day of rest.

It’s fascinating how structured it was and how practical. Tasks that required similar tools or energy levels were grouped together.

And while today’s households might not follow the same rhythms, there’s still something comforting (and efficient!) about having a loose theme for each day. Imagine knowing Friday is always your “clean out the fridge” day or that Tuesday is when you change the bed linens.

If you had to bring back one Victorian habit, which one would it be? And which would you skip without a second thought?

Personally, I’d leave the all-day ironing marathon in the past, but I love the idea of baking day! Feel free to hit reply and tell me which of these old-school routines you’d actually enjoy or which ones make you extra grateful for your washing machine and robot vacuum.

Enjoying my newsletter? Please REPLY and let me know! Also, please forward this newsletter to 5 of your family members and/or friends and share the love!

Here's what just one GON reader had to say...

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Here are the topics in the August Issue...

Peace, Presence, and Perspective on the Patio: When You Slow Down, You May See More Than You Expect

The Case for Sleeping in Your Guest Room for One Night: A Fun, Fresh Way to See Your Home Through a Guest’s Eyes

Sunset Science: Why Late Summer Sunsets Feel More Magical

An Ode to Notebooks, Sticky Notes, and That Start Fresh Feeling: The Back-To-School Supply Aisle Isn’t Just for Kids

Chilled Veggie Pizza: A Cool and Colorful Classic That’s Easy to Make and Always a Hit

Yes, Summer Colds Are Real: Why They Happen and What You Can Do About Them

Muscle Matters: Why Strength is the Secret to Feeling Better at Every Age: Why Muscle Loss Sneaks Up on Us and How To Get it Back Before it Holds You Back

The One Way Street of Favors: What To Do When You’re Always Giving and Rarely Getting

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GON Member Bonus!

As a valued member of my GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter, you get exclusive bonuses, PLUS unlimited access to all of my previous ones. This month's featured bonus is my...

15-Minute Decluttering Projects Printable

Need a quick win? This free printable gives you 15 super-specific decluttering projects you can finish in just 15 minutes each. Print it out, hang it where you’ll see it, and check off one task every day or two. You’ll feel lighter, more organized, and instantly accomplished, one small space at a time.

Plus, my 2025 Monthly Organizing Calendar is always available for you to access...jump in this month and start tackling those organizing tasks with ease.

To access these free resources, click here

August Monthly Checklist: My August 2025 Organizing Checklist features 31 fresh and actionable tasks to help you declutter surfaces, plan ahead, maintain outdoor areas, and embrace seasonal changes with ease.

August Organizing Challenge: Summer Fitness Challenge: From morning stretches and desk workouts to yoga, HIIT, and hydration goals, these 15-minute daily fitness tasks keep you moving and motivated!

Results of Last Month's Web Poll: What clutter zone is the most frustrating for you? Access the results of this poll including a bunch of GON reader comments.

New Web Poll: What phobias do you have? Vote in my GON Reader Poll on my home page

"You will find that it is necessary to let things go; simply for the reason that they are heavy. So let them go, let go of them. I tie no weights to my ankles."
― C. JoyBell C.

I'd love to hear from you.

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And remember...there's no better time to get organized, than to Get Organized Now!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
GetOrganizedNow.com

How to Use This Newsletter

In this newsletter, you will find stories, ideas, inspiration, links and more to help you live a less stressful, more organized, more fulfilling life.

We encourage you to apply these ideas to your own life AND share them liberally with your family, friends, and fan base via email, on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, other social media outlets, and in person, of course!

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Thank you for helping to spread the gift of organizing far and wide!

-- Maria

Maria Gracia,

Get Organized Now!

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-- Maria Gracia

Get Organized Now!
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