The Idea of Margin
A margin is
the space around the words on a page. It’s the blank area that makes the text readable. Without a margin, even beautiful writing becomes overwhelming.
Interestingly, the concept of margin applies far beyond paper. In life, margin is the space between commitments. The pause between tasks. The buffer that allows you to
breathe, adjust, and recover. Without margin, everything feels crowded...time, energy, and attention.
What’s interesting is that margin often disappears quietly. One extra obligation here. One more expectation there. Eventually, days become packed edge to edge, leaving no room for error, rest, or
spontaneity.
When margin disappears, stress rises; not necessarily because life is harder, but because there’s no flexibility left.
Margin allows
for humanity. It allows for slower mornings, unexpected conversations, and moments of recalibration. It gives you room to respond instead of react.
Culturally, margin is often undervalued. Productivity is praised. Full schedules are normalized. But margin isn’t laziness; it’s structural support. Just like a bridge needs
space to flex, people need margin to function well.
The presence of margin often determines how sustainable something feels. A life with margin feels steadier, even when it’s busy. A life without it feels brittle.
Thinking about margin invites gentler questions:
Where do I feel rushed?
Where do I feel compressed?
Where might a little more space change how things feel?
Margin doesn’t
require major change. Sometimes it starts with awareness and permission.
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...
"I want you to know how much I appreciate your GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter. Besides the organizing tips, which are very good, what I really value are the things you write in the “Today’s Organizing Insights and Ideas” section.
Especially the heartfelt inspirational words like what you wrote for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.
Those really spoke to me, and helped me to relax and regain calm and feel at peace. Thank you!" -- Angela, Mesa, AZ
