To defrost an old fridge with a freezer compartment inside, I allowed the ice to become so thick that I couldn't remove the drip tray from beneath the ice box while it was defrosting. I was pondering how to remove the water that was filling quickly, when my sister, visiting from Zimbabwe, suggested I use a towel.

She directed me to place as much towel as I could lay in the water and let the rest of the towel hang over the edge and into a container placed in the first shelf beneath the drip tray. Most of the water was transferred through the towel to the container on the shelf below and not a drop was spilt.

That proved to be the easiest defrosting I have ever done with no mess.

This fabulous reader tip was submitted by...

Eleanor Furter, Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa

Do you often wait until the last minute, procrastinating on many tasks you have to accomplish? Maybe you put things off because you don't want to do them, OR you feel too overwhelmed, OR maybe the project is soooo big that it can't be finished all at once...so why even start it? If you can never seem to start a task, then check this out:

http://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-procrastination.html

Scroll down to the bottom of this issue for full details on how to stop procrastinating...and to learn how you can get $100 in complimentary bonuses until Monday, January 8th.

Thanks so much for your response to my 'Ask Maria' question about the lovely girl my son met, who I was afraid had little confidence and who I feared would not have the motivation to reach her full potential in life...and if you remember, there were some anti-depressants medication issues she was having as well.

I had spent many a sleepless night thinking as best how to proceed with dealing with this adorable, young woman. My son clearly is mesmerized by her nature, so I just had to do something to help her for her sake as well as for my son.

Maria I did eventually manage to come to the same conclusion as you suggested, in your response to me, to compliment abundantly. This I felt was a start. So I make that a priority every time I see her. Genuine compliments of course, but this lovely person deserves compliments on many levels without me having to look too deep. So doing this isn't difficult. It is the beginning...just one small thing, a start to change.

Since doing this, I've found some things have changed for the better for her. For instance, she seems a little more confident in herself, selling her talents in conversation when someone asks what she is doing.

I put her in contact with a friend of a friend, who kindly gave her the opportunity to do some volunteer work at an Art Community Centre. The staff there was so impressed with her that she was given some hours of paid work as well. This of course has boosted her spirits and I am sure she is happier with herself. From what I am feeling, she is much more in control and does not have such a need for her anti-depressant medications, as before. I think this is a huge start for her.

Like you mentioned, I am sure some counseling would be helpful, but I feel that, at this time, it's too much of a sensitive point. I honestly think that just being positive and complimentary to her has been a real big help. Her upbringing, I hear, did not have much of that at all. Surprise, surprise! Years of being told what was wrong with her and never a pat on the back for doing anything right. This brings sadness to my thoughts as this would truly change a person's whole being. But my plan is to change all of that from now on.

Well Maria, 'why is it, the whole planet will tell you when something is wrong with you, but is so reluctant at giving someone a compliment or a kind word'? I am sure this world would be such a better place if we could remember this, and really put it into practice.

With us beginning a new year, in reflection of all this, I've made my New Year's resolution for 2018 to be my 'Year of Compliments.'

All the best to you and your family Maria, thank you again, and may 2018 bring you happiness!

Submitted by...

Doris

A GON Reader Asks

It seems that something is always going wrong in my life. Yesterday, the dishwasher broke. I had it repaired. The next day, there was a flood in my laundry room... apparently a problem with the washing machine connection. Then, as I was walking to my car in the gym parking lot, I slipped on ice and fell flat out on my back. I didn't get seriously hurt, thank goodness, but it seems like I have a black cloud hanging over my head.

Any ideas how I can organize myself out of my bad luck?

Mandy F.
Detroit, Michigan

Maria Gracia Responds

Hi Mandy,

First off, I'm so glad you're OK after your fall. Living in Wisconsin, I know how dangerous the ice can be. It's going to be a long winter...so be extra careful. Not sure if you were wearing sneakers out of the gym (I go the gym nearly every day and I rarely see anyone wearing their boots into and out of the gym...almost everyone has their sneakers on), but if you were, I would highly recommend against that. Sneakers are very dangerous on the ice. You're better off wearing boots with traction, and taking the few minutes it takes to change into and out of them as needed.

As far as your washing machine and dishwasher, I feel your pain. In fact, as I type this response to you, my husband's computer is sitting at the computer repair shop, and tomorrow, our garage door is being fixed...the big main spring broke in half. Getting the door open in freezing cold temperatures has been a treat for the past two days.

I know it's not fun when something breaks and repairs can get expensive. But everyone is bound to get a bunch of things breaking down at once at some point in their lives. I'm sorry now seems to be your time.

How do you organize yourself out of bad luck? I loved this question! Here are some thoughts for you:

1) Focus on your blessings. I know this is hard to do when you're 'standing in the middle of a storm', but whenever you're faced with a challenge, find a blessing to counteract it. For instance, you fell, but thank goodness you didn't end up in the hospital. The dishwasher and washing machine need to be repaired, but those are considerably less expensive then a roof repair.

2) Someone always has it worse. It's difficult for me to wallow in my own issues when I know, in my heart of hearts, that someone out there always has it worse. This is why it's a good idea to find inspiration whenever you can. There are tons of amazing stories and inspirational messages available on YouTube.

3) Take preventative measures whenever possible. For instance, when your appliances, car, central air, etc. are due to be serviced, make the appointment. Go for regular dental cleanings and annual doctor appointments, so you can feel good that you've gotten a clean bill of health, or take care of any issues before they get worse. Don't drive a car on a nearly empty tank of gas...fuel up at the halfway point. You get the idea...'an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.' In other words, a little precaution before a crisis is preferable to a lot of fixing up during and after a crisis.

4. List the lucky aspects of your life. It's so easy for us to keep the negative stuff 'top of mind,' because those are the challenges that are like giants thorns in our sides. That being said, it will do you a world of good to get yourself a journal and, at the end of each day, force yourself to list 5 lucky aspects of your life. Perhaps you enjoyed a delicious lunch? Maybe your daughter aced her test? Maybe something your mom said made you smile? Maybe someone let you ahead of them in the grocery line? Maybe you had warm heat in your car on a cold day. List whatever you can think of...and don't go to bed until you have five written down. Then, read these over each night, flipping back to previous pages, and tell yourself how lucky you, indeed, are.

Hope this helps,

Maria

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Dirty Little Secret: Here's how I always remember to write the correct year, at the beginning of a new year, when writing out checks...
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'How unlucky I am that this should happen to me. But not at all. Perhaps, say how lucky I am that I am not broken by what has happened, and I am not afraid of what is about to happen. For the same blow might have stricken anyone, but not many would have absorbed it without capitulation and complaint.'

--Marcus Aurelius


I'd love to hear from you.
Comments, suggestions, or just to say hello. Just REPLY to this email with a short note.

And remember...Being organized creates a happier, healthier, more fulfilling life!

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

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