We all need things. We need a place to live, food to eat, water to drink, and clothing to wear. We need a source of income and occasional medical care. But how many times, when we say that we 'need' something, do we truly need it?

While out and about the other day, my daughter, Amanda, saw a cute jacket and immediately said, 'I need that.' Hmmmmm. I reminded her that there were plenty of jackets hanging in her teenage closet already that were fulfilling her 'warmth' and 'fashion' factors. She quickly changed her verbiage, 'But, I want it.'

OK, that's better. At least that's an honest statement.

I will mention that Amanda has several perfectly good jackets at home...not an overload, but definitely a few more than what she 'needs.'

ME: Do you really want it?

AMANDA: Yes.

ME: How do you know? Does it fit good? Be sure you try it on.

(She brings it into the dressing room.)

ME: How does it make you feel when you're wearing it? If it doesn't fit perfectly and make you feel like a million bucks, put it back on the clothing rack.

AMANDA: (Looking at herself in the mirror.) I LOVE it!

ME: Love is a strong word. (Smile.) Do you have space in your closet for it?

AMANDA: I'll just donate something if I don't.

ME (Thinking to myself: Good answer, honey.)

ME: Do you have enough saved in your checking account?

AMANDA: What?!! I was thinking YOU would buy it for me.

ME: (Smile.) Well, honey, I just bought you shorts last week, and I know you already have plenty of jackets, so if you really love that jacket, yes, that would be your bank account it's coming from. So, be sure you love it.

Side Note: Amanda doesn't part with her money as easily as she's willing to have me part with mine.

AMANDA: I want to think about it. I might see something else I like better.

ME: OK, that's a good idea.

Later that day, Amanda said to me, 'Mom, I think I'm not going to get that jacket after all. I need new sandals this summer.'

And actually, I think she does 'need' new sandals. I remember the strap on last season's sandals broke last summer. (Smile.)

Can't decide whether you 'need it' or just 'want it'? Think of a 'need' as something you need to survive, or at least survive without suffering. For instance, if the only pair of casual shoes you have are falling apart, you can survive without shoes, but not without suffering. So, yes, buying another pair of shoes, in this case, is a need.

A 'want' is something you don't need to survive, BUT makes life a little nicer and more enjoyable.

Needs don't have to be questioned. If you need it, it's important to figure out how to get it.

Wants should be questioned to prevent clutter and to prevent emptying your bank account (or raising your credit card balance) unnecessarily.

It's easy to make impulse decisions...and impulse decisions are a huge source of clutter.

So, before purchasing physical items, think a bit first. Consider the space in your home. Think about the cash in your wallet. Think about the volume of possessions you have within the same item category...clothing, mugs, small appliances, purses, shoes, etc.

If you see a wall hanging you like, think, 'Do I have a specific place in mind to hang this? Have I measured it to be sure it will fit? Does it match my current decor? Does it make my heart skip a beat when I look at it? Can I afford it?'

Before you take home a new pair of jeans, do a mental inventory of the other jeans hanging in your closet before forking over cash for yet another pair.

Now, I'm certainly not saying to never buy things you 'want.' It's fun to treat ourselves now and then, and we all have to do our part to keep the economy strong. What I am saying is, if you're already dealing with clutter OR if you don't want to begin building unnecessary clutter, recognize the difference between 'needs' and 'wants' and make decisions accordingly.

To fast forward to The Cat Language Bible, visit:

getorganizednow.com/rd-cat-bible.html

Yes, meow means something

What does it mean, you ask?

Good question. It's about the same as aloha in Hawaiian.

The meaning changes.

Context matters hugely. Is it a mean meow, or a friendly one?

What about the cat's body action? Is he facing towards you, or away? Is the tail curled, or lying flat against the floor?

Depending on these points, 'meow' could mean 'let's watch a movie together' or 'boy am I thirsty right now.'

So getting the tone and body language right is critical.

Finally, there's a quick guide on the essentials of cat communication to open your ears (and your heart) into the fascinating world of feline communication, both verbal and nonverbal.

This guide, written by a PhD animal communications expert Dr Jonas Jurgella, is the missing link that allows you to bond with your own feline friend as if he was a human child.

That's the power of true and honest communication, vs the primitive 'animal baby talk' that so many pet owners unfortunately relegate themselves to.

Learn more about 'The Cat Language Bible' here: getorganizednow.com/rd-cat-bible.html

P.S. Your cat will be most appreciative...and you'll feel great knowing that you truly understand your cat's needs and wants.

P.P.S. Don't miss out: When you obtain your copy of 'The Cat Language Bible' BEFORE June 14th, you'll also get 4 COMPLIMENTARY BONUSES:

* The Cat Care Guide
* Training Your Cat
* A to Z Feline Nutrition
* Lifetime Updates

GON Cleaning Secrets When you're cleaning your windows, don't forget this...
getorganizednow.com/cleaning-secret-cleaning-windows-forget.html


GON Dirty Little Secrets Searching for hidden storage? Have you thought about doing this?
getorganizednow.com/dirty-little-secret-searching-hidden-storage.html


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

Social Media Feature Food expiration dates.are you throwing good food away? Find out.

Respect is our featured theme of the week, and the two quotes on my home page reflect this theme. Be inspired.

Are your windows in serious need of being cleaned? If so, you'll love our featured comic strip

Featured Web Poll How much time do you spend sitting each day? Take our poll and let us know.

June Checklist A productive summer with time to relax and enjoy? Yes, please! Follow our June Organizing Checklist, but don't look back. Start from today and go forward.

June Weekly Mini Challenges For each week of June, our challenges are focused on Home Projects. Focus on the mini challenge for WEEK TWO this week.


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

'A simple life is not seeing how little we can get by with-that's poverty-but how efficiently we can put first things first. . . . When you're clear about your purpose and your priorities, you can painlessly discard whatever does not support these, whether it's clutter in your cabinets or commitments on your calendar.' --Victoria Moran

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!

getorganizednow.com

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