GON Reader Letter #1
Cleaning to the Beat
I’ve found that cleaning goes a lot faster when I turn it into a mini music challenge. I choose one upbeat song
(usually around 3 to 4 minutes long) and see how much I can get done before it ends.
Sometimes it’s wiping down the bathroom counter, other times it’s putting away everything that’s landed on the kitchen island.
It’s amazing what I can do in just one song. I even have a playlist called “Clean It Up” with songs that keep me moving. It turns chores into a game, and I don’t dread them nearly as much anymore.
-- Louise, Vestavia Hills, Alabama
GON Reader Letter #2
Hooked on Not Losing My
Keys
I used to waste time in the morning searching for my keys. Sometimes they were in yesterday’s jacket pocket, sometimes buried under mail, and (yes, I know this is scary) more than once I discovered that they were still in the front door!
Now I have one designated spot for them—a small key basket on a side table
right near the door. It’s not fancy, just something simple I had in the kitchen cabinet, but it works.
As soon as I walk in, the keys go in the dish. No more searching, no more stress. It’s such a small habit, but it’s made a big difference in how my mornings
feel.
-- Taylor, Clarksburg, West Virginia
GON Reader Letter #3
One Load Ahead Means Six Behind
I used to wait until my laundry basket was overflowing before I did a load. Then I’d spend half the day catching up. Now, I have a new rule: if the basket is more than halfway full, I wash a load that day, even if it’s not a “laundry day.” It’s made a huge difference.
Laundry never piles up, I never run out of clean clothes, and I don’t feel like I’m spending my whole weekend doing six loads back to back.
It’s become part of my regular rhythm, like unloading the dishwasher or taking out the trash. Just something I do to keep the house flowing smoothly.
-- Bob, Greenfield, WI
GON Reader Letter #4
Highlight the Wins
I used to cross items off my TO DO list and it made my list look messy. Now, when I finish a task, I highlight it instead of crossing it out. It keeps everything legible, and the bright streak of color makes me feel accomplished and happy.
Plus, I get to use my favorite highlighters. It’s such a small switch, but it
has made a big difference in how I feel about productivity.
-- Ramona, Chicago, Illinois
GON
Reader Letter #5
Closet Clarity: Keep Only What You Love
I’ve always struggled with hanging on to too many clothes. This spring, I did something
new: I took everything out of my closet and only put back items I fell good wearing.
Now, getting dressed in the morning feels faster and more confident. By the way, I donated four bags of clothes to a local shelter!
-- Elise, Yankton, South Dakota
By the way, if you’ve discovered a helpful tip, shortcut, or mindset shift that’s improved your home or routine, I’d love to hear it. You never
know who it might help next!
On another note...
Mother's Day is May 11th. Need gift ideas for a special mom? You're going to love my list of
