GON Reader Letter #1
A Greeting Card System That Saves Time—and Stress
Dear Maria,
I look forward to your newsletter every week!
Years ago, I started a simple greeting cards system that works great for me. I bought an accordion file and labeled each section by occasion—birthday, sympathy, congratulations, etc. Whenever I find a card I like, I tuck it into the right section. Now, when I need a card, I don't have to run to the store at the last minute. It's saved me countless errands and helped me actually send cards on time, which used to be a real struggle.
Thank you for
all the encouragement you share. It truly makes a difference.
-- Lynette M., Eden Prairie, MN
GON Reader Letter #2
A Simple Strategy to Stay in Control of Charitable Giving
Dear Maria,
Thank you for your newsletter. Reading it has become part of my morning routine.
My mother was in a similar situation with constant requests for donations...by mail and phone. Once she accepted that a gift did not obligate her to donate, her main frustration was the immediate request for
more when she had just donated.
So she kept a list of all her charitable donations with the date and amount. Her strategy was to donate to each at the same time every year without repeatedly giving to certain ones and neglecting others.
This gave her peace that she controlled her giving in a manageable way. She had lived through the depression and was always generous right up to her death at 98.
Thank you, Maria!
-- Robin C., Greenwich, OH
GON Reader Letter #3
I Thought I Was the Only One Who Loved Shorthand
Hi Maria,
Regarding your March 16th issue, I thought I was the only one who loved shorthand.
I didn't love learning it, but once I did, it is so handy!
I keep my journal in shorthand so no one can snoop through it. I need to go through it and transcribe what I want to pass on to my children, though.
I'm 81 years old and I can imagine their frustration if all the family stories and memories that I've written down all these years are unreadable.
-- Maggie in California
GON Reader Letter #4
My Angel Let Me Find This at a Low Point
Regarding your March 17th newsletter, we lost our beloved daughter when she was 16 from bone cancer. It took months and years to go through her room (and even now, 17 years later, there are things I can’t look at).
I had to smile when one day I found a few mall gift certificates that she was given to encourage her. I’m not sure what she was saving them for but I was able to contact the mall and they agreed to let me use them even though they were out of date by several months.
I also found a stash of bills and an IOU from me (I had borrowed $10).
She was always upbeat and prepared for anything and I think my angel
let me find this at a low point.
-- Cindy Summers
P.S. to Cindy from
Maria...
Cindy, thank you for sharing your beautiful story. Your daughter’s spirit shines so clearly through your words. It’s a beautiful reminder that it’s okay to move through grief at our own pace — and that sometimes a tiny discovery truly is a loving message from above. Big hugs to you!
GON Reader Letter #5
How a “Decision Basket” Keeps Household Clutter in Check
Hi Maria,
We have a "decision basket" by the door. Anything that’s coming into the house—whether it’s mail, kids’ school papers, flyers, or freebies—has to go into the basket
first.
Once a day, usually after dinner, we go through it together. We either act on it, recycle it, file it, or toss it. It’s a small habit that keeps piles from growing and gives everyone a say in what stays or goes.
Thanks again for all the inspiring ideas you share, Maria!
-- Betty T, Summerville, SC
On another note, I recommend...
My carefully curated list of clever kitchen tools cuts down on food prep—so you can spend less time in the kitchen and more time enjoying your meals. Each item is practical, efficient,
and a real helper for busy days!
