A while back, I was sitting in the waiting area of my daughter's orthodontist waiting for her to finish up her appointment. The office was relatively small, built to accommodate around ten people. All of the seats were taken by others who were either waiting for someone else to be seen or waiting to be seen themselves. On the wall of the office was a large sign that said, 'No cell phone use in office.' I looked around and noticed that every single person in that waiting room was using their phone. While the sign was likely posted for folks talking on their phones, or getting loud notifications, it was a telling sight.

A few weeks later, I went out to dinner with some friends and watched a family of four walk in and be seated near our table. I couldn't help but notice that instead of having a conversation over their dinner, they all ate with their cell phones in their hands, barely saying a word to each other the whole time they were there. The teenagers didn't even glance at their server when placing their orders. Sigh.

Cell phones are wonderful things. They allow us to contact anyone, from nearly anywhere, at any time we see fit. The problem is, they also allow OTHERS to contact anyone, from nearly anywhere, at any time that THEY see fit. This may not always be what you're hoping for when you want to spend some quality time with someone.

I think back to when I was a kid. We had one family telephone, in a central location, that was attached to the wall. Once we left the house, nobody could reach us until we came back home again. If we went grocery shopping, the phone stayed at home. If we left to go for a walk, we couldn't be reached until later when we returned. If we went out to dinner, we were entertained by the person (or people) sitting WITH us at the table and not by somebody else, somewhere else.

Don't get me wrong. like most people, I carry my cell phone with me when I'm out and about. It may, after all, have to be used for an emergency. But when I'm driving, or spending time with others, or when I'm simply seeking a little bit of peace and quiet...it's safely nestled in my purse.

I think we could all stand to take a step back sometimes and take note of how much time we actually spend each day on our cell phones. According to a recent 'cell phone use study' cited in the New York Post, 'Americans check their phone on average once every 12 minutes, burying their heads in their phones 80 times a day.' With social media, it is commonplace, these days, to know where some folks spend nearly every waking moment of their lives.

If your own cell phone use has gotten out of control, my challenge for the week is this: Go out to (or sit down to) dinner with your family and leave your phone in the car, or in another room. Meet up with a friend and spend the entire time talking to them, instead of glancing at your phone. After all, the majority of notifications are non-emergencies. Resist the urge to post your every whereabout on social media. Opt to put down your phone and let the people you are with know that they are important and you are enjoying their company, rather than making them feel second in line. Encourage your family to follow suit.

Whatever you do, don't allow this wonderful tool that magically connects us to the world, disconnect you from the people you care about.

To fast-forward to the Garage Sale Toolkit, visit:

getorganizednow.com/garage-sale-toolkit.html

Garage sales are a WONDERFUL way to get rid of your clutter. Yet, it's no fun planning and setting up for a garage sale, just to find out you have only a few customers throughout your day, little more than your starting cash, and a whole lot of your stuff at the end of your sale.

If you've been frustrated with the work and energy you put into your garage sales...with little profit to show for it when you're done...the Get Organized Now! Garage Sale Tool Kit is for you!

Here's what just one customer had to say...

'Garage sales were a big pain, and we hardly made any money for all our time and effort. Now I realize I just didn't know how to plan them very well. Your tool kit showed me the easy ways to organize my garage sales and exactly how to make good money each time -- just by doing it right!' --Jessica R., Powhattan, VA

If you plan to put on a garage sale in the future, don't settle for average results and minimum profits. Give yourself the best chance for maximum results. You won't be disappointed.

P.S. This is the perfect time to begin planning your garage sale. Start today by getting yourself a copy of my Garage Sale Tool Kit. When you do, you'll get these 3 COMPLIMENTARY eBook BONUSES, in addition to everything else included, to make your garage sales even more successful...but ONLY UNTIL FRIDAY, AUGUST 31st.

Your Three COMPLIMENTARY Bonuses:

• 24 Fun, Creative Ideas for a More Successful Garage Sale
  
• Your Online Garage Sale - 13 of My Favorite Secrets
  
• Increase Your Garage Sale Profits with These Simple Words

GON Inspiring Quotes: Quotes to remind you that you are beautiful...because we all need a reminder now and then
getorganizednow.com/quotes-beautiful.html


GON Dirty Little Secret: Here's how you get your child to school, without them forgetting to put everything in their backpack

getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-child-backpack.html


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

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

* New Web Poll: What's your texting style? Short and sweet phrases? Full sentences with correct grammar and punctuation? As quickly as possible without a care in the world about spelling? Mostly thumbs-up signs and other graphics? Or maybe you don't text? Let us know by taking the web poll on my home page. It only takes a second...and you'll be able to see up-to-the second results.

Access all of the above on my home page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

How might it feel to be fully present in every moment all of the time? (Joyce Rachelle)





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

Warmly,

Maria Gracia
Get Organized Now!

getorganizednow.com

(c) Copyright 2018 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

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