I have been crazy-busy for the past four weeks. I'm the PTO president at my daughter's middle school, and our parent group decided to host (what we called) the 'Choose Kind' Fun Run at the school. Prior to the run on the school track, the kids asked family, friends, and businesses to sponsor them with flat donations and per lap pledges. This was a fundraiser and a fun activity for the students, focused on being kind and respectful to others. Our goal was to help fund events, technology, and field trips at the school, as well as to purchase 'buddy benches' so all kids would constantly be reminded of the importance of friendship, inclusion, kindness, and respect.

The actual event was this past Tuesday, and it was absolutely wonderful. We could not have asked for a more gorgeous day, the kids had tons of fun, and the pledges are still coming in.

With business sponsorships all over town, 800 kids running and collecting pledges, a student t-shirt logo contest, shirts ordered in all different sizes and colors that had to be distributed, the volumes of parent and staff volunteers needed, and all the extras (a DJ, decorations, refreshments, goody bags, etc.) it has been an enormous undertaking. As you can imagine, I was very happy to take a breather after the event. But just a short breather because it's still not over. There are now trophies to be ordered and awarded, prizes to secure and hand out, thank you notes, and all the final pieces that need to be wrapped up. Essentially, this event has taken over my life. That being said, I'm not complaining. It was a wonderful cause, and I'm thrilled with the results.

Still, when you're adding a 'big extra' to your life, like this fun run, other people, TO DOs, and your own personal needs tend to get neglected. For instance, my family saw a lot less of me...and had to fend for themselves for dinner a few nights as well...on very limited groceries. Let's just say, there were a few very creative dinners. The laundry? Yup, that fell behind by more than a few loads. I also had to reschedule a few appointments. Sometimes you think you can handle it all, but then discover what you originally planned is just not feasible. And as far as taking care of myself? I'll admit there were some very late evenings and some ready-made meals eaten on-the-go in the past month.

So, while I love to take on 'big extras' now and then, I don't do it all the time. And when I do, I have to be truly passionate about the cause because it has to be worth the time, effort, and sacrifices involved. Now, I'm playing a game of catch up...and starting to settle back into a more normal, less- stressful, less-busy lifestyle...and I don't have another 'big extra' on my schedule anytime in the near future.

What are some 'big extras' in your life that you're currently handling? Maybe you're hosting your son or daughter's wedding? Perhaps you're hosting an exchange student from another country? Do you have a big vacation or summer reunion you're planning? Maybe you are recovering from an injury or an illness? Perhaps you're in the middle of a move? Or maybe you're getting ready to send your kid off to college soon?

Yes, when you're doing any of these things, life can get crazy for awhile. Know that, during these times, it's OK to fall behind, neglect some of your daily tasks, and push yourself a bit harder than normal. So, don't beat yourself up for not being able to be 'everything to everyone' or allowing your TO DO list to grow a bit longer than usual. There is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Still, when your 'big extra' is past you, be careful about adding another 'big extra' to it back-to-back. You need time to catch up, recuperate, reconnect with others, and rejuvenate. You also need time to pat yourself on the back for whatever it is you just experienced and go back to taking good care of yourself. Because if you're the type of person who takes on 'big extras' now and then, you'll want to be at 100% for your next endeavor down the line.

The OMAD diet 'rage'...
This trendy new diet has great benefits...
and a serious downside

What the heck is OMAD? It's a new approach to eating that's getting phenomenal weight loss results.People are not only rapidly getting leaner, they're also subtracting years from their appearance. The best part? They're eating whatever they want.

Really. There's just 1 problem: OMAD stands for 'one meal a day.'

Yikes! No wonder it works so well. You basically don't eat anything! This lifestyle obviously isn't for everyone. Yet there is something we can all learn from OMAD...a weight loss tip that can help those of us who like to eat. And it doesn't require skipping meals, going keto or intermittent fasting.

Here's what we can all learn from OMAD:

OMAD triggers a powerful anti-aging process called autophagy. In autophagy, our bodies 'recycle' old cells that no longer work...and it replaces them with new cells that work much better. This helps us burn fat, look younger and feel better. Not surprisingly, research into autophagy has been skyrocketing. In fact, a Nobel Prize was just awarded to the scientist who discovered how it worked.

Here's what's funny though: Autophagy is happening inside all of us, all the time. It's just not working as well as we want it to. So the trick is to get it working better.

Fortunately, you don't need to cut out 2/3rds of your meals to do that. A far easier method is to simply eat right for your fat burning type. Not only does it turn ON fat burning...it also ramps UP the rejuvenating powers of autophagy. You'll look better and feel better, while getting to enjoy delicious foods you love.

Obviously the first step is to discover your fat burning type, which you can find out here:

https://www.getorganizednow.com/rd-metf01.html

Over 250,000 women and men of all ages have tried this and gotten some pretty phenomenal results. I encourage you to visit the link to learn more.

Maria

GON Featured Video: Take the challenge: Get rid of 1,000 things
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GON Top 10: 10 Items You Should NOT Refrigerate
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Dirty Little Secret: Ever wander away from a chore because you got distracted? Here's how to remind yourself to get back to your original task!

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Mini Challenges: It's easy to feel accomplished.just give yourself a few challenges that you can absolutely, positively do. No matter how busy your schedule, you can get these done. Here goes...
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In ADDITION, on our home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

Take Your Wildest Guess:
1. What time of the year do most greeting card sales occur?
2. What percentage of Mother's Day cards do women purchase?

Take your best guess...and then find out if your answer matches reality. You'll find the answers in the pink and green boxes on our home page. getorganizednow.com



Theme of the Week: Our theme of the week is 'mothers' and my home page quotes reflect that.
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GON Monthly Checklist: How are you doing with your TO DOs this month. Use our May Checklist, on our home page, to keep you feeling accomplished.
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Featured Web Poll: Our question is, 'Do you like your first name?' Take our web poll and let us know. It only takes a few seconds and you'll be able to see immediate up-to-the-minute results. getorganizednow.com

1) Declutter the garage. Spend an hour or so this week decluttering the garage. Donate any gardening tools, sporting equipment, fishing gear, etc. that you no longer need. Call your local sanitation department to find out the procedure and/or drop-off location for discarding old paint cans and the like. You don't have to do it all if that's an overwhelming TO DO. Just work on it a little bit at a time, starting this week.

2) Give your cell phone some TLC. Is your cell phone loaded with photos, old text messages, and/or apps you never use. Why not give your phone some 'tender loving care' this week? Upload photos you wish to retain to your computer or online storage service, and delete photos, text messages and apps you don't want.

3) Thank someone. How many times have you said to yourself, 'I really should thank that person for...?' Do it this week...in person, or with a handwritten note, or with a small gift. Maybe you want to thank your boss, a co-worker, your brother, a nurse or EMS staff member, a firefighter, your parish priest, a kind bank teller, or your child's teacher? Make somebody's day extra special this week by showing your gratitude and appreciation.

'To describe my mother would be to write about a hurricane in its perfect power. Or the climbing, falling colors of a rainbow.'
--Maya Angelou





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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