Jan 1 - Do Something Nice for Yourself - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Thu, 01/01/26

Updated: Thu, 01/01/26

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

January 1, 2026

GetOrganizedNow.com

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Choose one small, pleasant thing and give it your full attention for 10 minutes. When the 10 minutes are up, notice how you feel. That calm? That’s what starting the year gently looks like.

Do Something Nice for Yourself

January 1 doesn’t need to start with big goals, bold promises, or a complete life overhaul. Sometimes the best way to begin a new year is by doing something quietly kind for yourself.

Over the holidays, a friend gave me a copy of Gilmore Girls: The Official Cookbook. Yesterday, instead of rushing through the day or saving it “for later,” I decided to make an experience out of it.

I made myself a cocoa bomb (one of those chocolate spheres that slowly melts open when you pour hot milk over it, releasing cocoa and marshmallows like a small surprise) and carried my mug to a cozy chair.

Then I gave myself permission to take an hour.
No multitasking. No skimming. I slowly flipped through the pages, lingered on the illustrations, smiled at the references, and let myself get inspired by recipes.

It wasn’t about cooking or productivity. It was about enjoying something simply because it was pleasant.

That hour was just for me.

And here’s the thing: that kind of time isn’t selfish. It’s restorative. It’s grounding. It’s the kind of pause that fills you back up instead of draining you further.

When we give ourselves small moments of enjoyment, we’re not taking anything away from anyone else. We’re making ourselves more present, calmer, and more available for what comes next.

So today, on January 1, instead of asking yourself what you should be doing, ask a different question:

What would feel nice right now?

Maybe it’s reading a few pages of a book you’ve been meaning to open. Sitting with a warm drink and watching the light change outside. Taking a longer shower. Lighting a candle. Writing a short list of things you’re grateful for. Or simply doing nothing for a little while.

The year will ask plenty of things of you soon enough. Today can be about starting gently.

Just for today, do something nice for yourself.

On another note...
New Year, Ready for Anything: Simple Essentials to Start Fresh: Everyday items that support fresh starts, gentle routines, and a more organized, intentional year ahead.
Essentials for the New Year

The Surprising History of Hot Cocoa

Hot cocoa didn’t start out sweet, creamy, or comforting. In fact, the earliest versions were nothing like the cozy mugs we love today.

Thousands of years ago, the ancient Maya and Aztecs drank cocoa as a bitter, spicy beverage, often mixed with water, chili peppers, and spices. There was no sugar, no marshmallows, and definitely no whipped cream. It was meant to be energizing and ceremonial, not indulgent.

When cocoa made its way to Europe in the 1500s, people slowly began experimenting. Sugar was added. Milk followed later. Over time, the sharp, spicy drink softened into something richer and smoother.

By the 1700s, hot chocolate had become fashionable in European cafés, associated with comfort, conversation, and quiet moments...much closer to how we enjoy it now.

Fun ways to dress up your cocoa today:

A pinch of cinnamon or nutmeg

A splash of vanilla or peppermint

Mini marshmallows (classic for a reason)

Whipped cream with chocolate shavings

A pinch of cayenne or smoked paprika (a nod to cocoa’s spicy roots)

A splash of coconut milk for a more tropical feel

Or make one with a cocoa bomb for a little drama in your mug

Simple, cozy, and a little indulgent...a pretty perfect way to ease into January.

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...

"Hey Maria! I love Gilmore Girls and really enjoyed reading your comments about the show in your December 8th issue! Cheers!"
-- Yvonne F.

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Declutter, Organize, & Clean While Staying Motivated and Inspired!

To access my new calendar and ALL of my free bonuses, click here...

Monthly Organizing Checklist:
January 2026
My January 2026 Organizing Checklist offers one doable task each day to help you declutter, tidy, and refresh your spaces while staying grounded during the heart of winter

Monthly Organizing Challenges:

10 Gentle Organizing Tasks for a Peaceful January

My January Mini-Challenges are meant to support clarity, comfort, and calm by helping you reset small areas of your home and routines

Last Web Poll Results:

What's the Best Smell of December

When we asked GON readers to name the best smell of December, the responses were heartfelt, nostalgic, and wonderfully sensory. Access the results and reader comments

New Web Poll:
What Small Thing Feels Extra Good in January?
Stowing away holiday decor? Starting a new book? Something else? Let us know what feels extra good to you. Cast your vote in my poll on my home page

"This year, be structured enough for success and achievement and flexible enough for creativity and fun."
-- Taylor Duvall

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Warmly,

Maria Gracia
GetOrganizedNow.com

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-- Maria

Maria Gracia,

Get Organized Now!

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