What do you think of when you hear the phrase 'time out'? I think of two things:

1. The 'time out' in a sporting event when the game clock is temporarily stopped to allow coaches and/or players to communicate, determine strategy, motivate the team, etc.

2. The 'time out' dished out by adults or caregivers to kids when unacceptable behavior has occurred (kicking, throwing a fit, etc.) and the child then has time to think about his or her actions and, hopefully, modify them.

But there's another important 'time out,' and we can all use it periodically as well. Here are a few signs that you may need your very own time out.

1) You are irritable. Things that don't normally bother you, are now bugging you enough to cause you to snap at others, sometimes even resurfacing unpleasant issues you fought about long ago, but that have little bearing on the present.

2) You have changed to a negative and critical view of the world. Your glass is half-empty, and you don't know why people aren't filling it up. You don't see the good you used to find in simple things. It has been too long since you remember hearing your own laugher with friends and family or even just watching TV. You might catch yourself complaining a lot or whining about things.

3) You feel tired, lethargic, and lack motivation. You might feel like you're just going through the motions of daily life, but without joy.

4) You feel like you're spinning your wheels...always doing, doing, doing... and never getting anywhere.

If any of these describes what you have been like lately, a 'time out' may be just what you need.

The good news is that your 'time out' doesn't need to be a big, expensive vacation. It can be as simple as a few hours away from your regular duties. You can spend time in nature, read a book, journal, draw, take a long bubble bath, craft, go somewhere you have wanted to go locally, or anything that is a step away and relaxing for you.

Nearly everybody goes through periods in their lives when a 'time out' is needed to regroup and get back on a positive, happy, goal-oriented track. When this happens, schedule a whole day or weekend (or even a few uninterrupted hours), by yourself, to get some perspective on your current life and what areas you need to work on to bring it back into balance.

I find that 'bullet journaling' helps.' Bullet journaling does not require you to write in long paragraphs, but rather simple bulleted points. First, make a list of anything that's bothering you, such as:

1) New computer system at work is so difficult to learn
2) My teenager talking back to me makes me angry
3) With all my commitments, I have no time to myself, etc.

Second, make a list of options for rectifying some of these challenges, or at minimum, coping with them better. This list sometimes takes some soul-searching, but it's only by addressing each challenge that you'll have the opportunity to improve it.

Third, choose one of those solution options at a time and focus on it.

Don't think of 'time outs' as punishment, but rather as time your mind, body, and soul needs to get you back to a better place.

At the end of the day or on the weekend, the last thing that you want to do is clean your house, right?! It's definitely not what I want to be doing. After all my hard work, I want my nights and weekends to myself...for family and fun stuff. In light of this, I searched for and found a wonderful resource that helped me..and can help YOU get your house as clean as you want it to be, without taking up all of your time in the process.

The difference is that it helps you to clean smart instead of cleaning long and hard. You'll have the clean home you've always wanted, AND you'll have tons of time to enjoy life.

For details, visit:

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

P.S. When you obtain your copy of 'Speed Cleaning Secrets,' you'll also get my eBook...

25 Cleaning Hacks for People Who Hate to Clean
...complimentary.

BUT ONLY UNTIL MONDAY, AUGUST 13 AT 11:59 P.M.

To get it, just email me at getorgnow@charter.net with your order number for your additional, and fabulous, eBook bonus. It will be emailed to you within 24 hours.

GON Organizing Infographic: How to stop negative thoughts from getting you down. Definitely worth a gander!
getorganizednow.com/infographics-negative-thoughts.html


GON My Life: Leaving the digital world behind...I do this now and then. Do you?
getorganizednow.com/mylife-leaving-digital.html



GON Mini Organizing Challenges: There are 5 weeks in August. This month's challenge theme is CLEAN. Here are your mini weekly challenges...
getorganizednow.com/organizing-challenge-aug18-clean.html


In ADDITION, on my home page, you'll also find lots of NEW and featured STUFF including...

* Optimism: That's the theme of the two quotes on my home page this week. Check them out and be inspired

* August Checklist: One organizing TO DO thought out for you each day

Visit:

getorganizednow.com

'While you'll feel compelled to charge forward, it's often a gentle step back that will reveal to you where you are and what you truly seek.'
--Rasheed Ogunlaru




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

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

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