Sep 27 - Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down

Sep 27 - Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down - GON in 5 Minutes Newsletter

Published: Sat, 09/27/25

Updated: Sat, 09/27/25

Get Organized Now!

In Less Than 5 Minutes!

by Maria Gracia

September 27, 2025

GetOrganizedNow.com

We respect your time.

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Give yourself five uninterrupted minutes. Sit in a comfortable spot with your favorite drink, silence your phone, and simply breathe. No multitasking, no background noise...just you taking a pause.

Give Yourself Permission to Slow Down

Somewhere along the way, many of us began wearing “busy” as a badge of honor. Our calendars overflow, our phones never stop buzzing, and our TO DO lists multiply faster than we can cross things off.

Just the other day, I ran into a friend who had recently retired. With a half-laugh, she told me, “I thought life would slow down now that I’m retired. I’m busier than ever!”

Her words struck me. If even retirement doesn’t guarantee rest, then it’s up to us to intentionally make room for it. Sometimes the bravest, healthiest thing you can do is grant yourself permission to slow down.

1. Slowing Down Is Not Falling Behind: It may feel counterintuitive, but slowing down doesn’t mean you’re neglecting your responsibilities. In fact, stepping back helps you recharge so you can show up sharper, more creative, and more present when it really matters. Think of it as hitting the “pause” button rather than the “stop.” Even a short pause can change the way you move forward.

2. Notice What Really Matters: When you slow your pace, you begin to notice things you might otherwise overlook, like the way the air smells after rain, the laughter in your home, or the satisfaction of finishing a chapter in a good book. These aren’t “extras”; they are the moments that actually give life richness. By taking the time to notice them, you remind yourself why all the effort in your daily routine is worthwhile.

3. Give Yourself Breathing Room: Allowing space in your day creates room for rest, reflection, and even spontaneity. That could look like savoring your morning tea instead of gulping it down, walking outside without earbuds, or choosing to spend an evening without screens. These small acts of slowing down reset both body and mind, creating the margin we need to thrive.

4. Make It a Habit: Slowing down doesn’t have to be an occasional luxury. It can become part of your rhythm. Build in little rituals...perhaps an afternoon stretch, a gratitude journal, or a short walk after dinner. They don’t take much time, but they gently remind you that rest is not indulgence; it’s part of a well-lived life.

6. Your Permission Slip: If you need someone to tell you it’s okay to ease up, consider this your permission slip. You are not only allowed to slow down. You’ll be better for it. By creating space to breathe, notice, and rest, you’ll find yourself more grounded, more patient, and more able to handle whatever tomorrow brings.

On another note...
Reading, for me, is more than words on a page. It's an experience...an adventure. The right accessories make it even better, whether you’re curled up at home on a cozy chair, traveling, or sneaking in a chapter before bed. Here are ten of my favorite Amazon finds that every book lover will adore.
Goodies for People Who Love to Read

10 Creative Ways to Save More Money

1. Eat Home: Instead of dining out this week, cook at home and put the money you would’ve spent straight into savings. You’ll enjoy the bonus of a healthier meal too.

2. Spare Change Jar: Drop all your coins (or even the singles in your wallet) into a jar for the month. You’ll be surprised at how quickly it adds up.

3. Unsubscribe Audit: Cancel just one unused subscription...streaming service, app, or memberships...and pocket the savings.

4. Cash-Only Envelope: For groceries, set aside cash in an envelope and stick to it. You’ll naturally buy less. If you don't like to carry cash, buy yourself a grocery gift card for a set amount and use it to buy your groceries.

5. Pantry Week: Skip one grocery trip by planning meals entirely from what’s already in your fridge, freezer, and pantry.

6. Trade Instead of Buy: Need a book, tool, or decor piece? Ask a friend to swap rather than shop.

7. Leftovers Night: Once a week, turn leftovers into a creative “buffet dinner” instead of cooking or ordering out.

8. Library Love: Borrow eBooks, movies, or magazines from your local library instead of buying or streaming.

9. Thermostat Tweak: Adjust your thermostat by just 1–2 degrees and watch your energy bill shrink.

10. Invest in What Lasts: Instead of chasing bargains, spend thoughtfully on resources that truly help, like tools, classes, or products that make your life easier and save you money over time.

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

"I wanted to send my well wishes, as I have read your emails since around 2001, and I have always found them so helpful to me. If I had to give up all ezines but one, yours would be the one I would keep."
-- Heather Earle

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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...

Fall Decluttering Checklist

As the air turns crisp and leaves drift down, it’s time to clear away what no longer serves you and create space for what truly matters. My Fall Decluttering Checklist gives you 25 simple, doable ideas to refresh every corner of your home. Each tip is designed to help you let go with ease and make your home feel more open, inviting, and ready for the season ahead.

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.

I'm getting ready to publish my October features in a few days. Get these September features before they disappear...

September Monthly Checklist: My September 2025 monthly checklist features 30 fresh, actionable tasks to help you manage household clutter, fine-tune schedules, refresh spaces, and embrace seasonal changes with intention

September Monthly Mini-Challenges: Discover 30 inspiring self-care challenges to boost your physical health, emotional balance, and mental well-being

Web Poll: When do you feel most motivated to organize? Vote on my home page. Results will be shared in a few weeks in this newsletter

Results of Last Month's Web Poll: What phobias do you have? Access the results of this poll including a bunch of GON reader comments

"Slow down, you move too fast."
-- Simon & Garfunkel’s 59th Street Bridge Song

I'd love to hear from you.

I LOVE GON reader mail! Whether it's a comment, suggestion, or just a note to say hello, REPLY to this email with a short note.

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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