'Japan! I'm so envious,' I said to my friend who just announced she and her husband had a trip planned there in the spring. In this case, 'envious' was just an expression. I would like to visit Japan one day, but we do enough traveling that I feel perfectly content. I know my life is good.

Real envy, the one considered one of the Seven Deadly Sins, is when someone badly wants what another has (things, qualities, etc.) and resents their possession to the point that it becomes emotionally painful.

Most 'everyday envy' is probably not quite so dark. Still, envy can have a crippling effect on someone's life. Sally's sister-in-law is an example. She always sees her glass as half-empty. If she hears Sally is going on a trip, no trip she has ever taken or plans to take feels like it can measure up. She feels certain Sally's trip will be better, and she wishes she could take the same vacation or even go along. 'I don't even like to mention we are going somewhere,' Sally confided to me recently. 'But then she gets mad if she doesn't know, as if I were keeping a secret. I try to keep everything very low key. She almost makes me feel guilty.'

Let's face it, nobody gets everything they want. Sally travels to lovely places but wishes she had grandchildren like so many of her friends. Jack has three brilliant kids who will soon leave for college, but he still wishes his car were newer. Sylvia has enormous artistic talent, but sometimes thinks she would trade it happily for a boyfriend.

We all can see things around us we would like to have, but don't. And that is OK. Sometimes envy can be a good thing. Discontent can inspire us to make changes. Linda, a receptionist at a veterinary clinic, wished she had a job as one of the techs who helped the vet (and earned more money). So Linda went back to school and became one.

If you perceive that envy causes you unhappiness, you can do something about it. You may not ever attain the same thing others have (Sally cannot conjure herself some grandchildren), but you can appreciate your life as it is. Make a list, just in your head, of all the good in your life...the pets who love you, your musical abilities, your sweet next-door neighbor, the friends you have, your career, your culinary talent... You can let your envious feelings become a catalyst for change, and rework something in your life to make it more like you wish it were.

Most of us have so many things we take for granted. Make use of envy as an inspiration, but always appreciate the good in your own life.

To fast-forward to getting better grades, visit:

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

In my neighborhood, back-to-school is happening in just a few weeks. In some places, it has already begun. Whether YOU HAVE a son, daughter or grandchild in school, or YOU are in school yourself, NOW is a great time to be sure those grades are where you want them to be... without the hassles, the cramming, the endless hours of studying, the frustration, or the agony!

This resource I love and recommend is perfect for anyone in grade school, middle school, high school, college or beyond. For more information, visit...

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

P.S. Because we are BIG believers in this program and in helping anyone in school to do as well as possible, when you order anything from the Get the Best Grades web site, BEFORE FRIDAY, AUGUST 23RD AT 11:59 p.m. (CST) email me and I'll send you $125 in complimentary eBook bonuses as follows...

* Smart Schooltime Recipes
* Holidays for Family Travel Tips
* Directions for Improving Your Life
* Grad Expectation: The essential guide for graduates
* A Plum in the Syrup: 17 Ways to Live a More Fulfilled Life

P.S. To get your complimentary bonuses, just email me at: getorgnow@charter.net along with your order number and I'll email your files immediately.

Feature Article 20 ideas to help students get organized
getorganizednow.com/organizing-article-students-organized.html



GON Ask Maria A GON reader asks, 'My daughter's room is a mess. Any suggestions?' Read Maria's response
getorganizednow.com/ask-maria-daughter-room-mess.html


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

Facebook Feature Make your needs your wants, and your wants few...this is a must-read article

Working hard is our theme of the week. What are you working hard on this week?

Good reasons to put down your phone Get all the reasons why in our cute graphic

August Organizing Checklist Check out our August Organizing Checklist, but don't look back. Start with today's date and move forward

August Organizing Mini-Challenges For August, our mini challenges are focused on Being Prepared. This week, focus on WEEK THREE.

Featured Web Poll When do you prepare for a typical day? Vote in our web poll and let us know

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

'Do not spoil what you have by desiring what you have not.' --Ann Brashares

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

(c) Copyright 2019 by Maria Gracia, Get Organized Now!

* Copyright, contact and reprint information:
getorganizednow.com/contact.html

* You signed up to receive our Idea-Kit and/or our Newsletter at our Get Organized Now! Web site. We never add names unless you have voluntarily opted in.

* We never rent, trade or sell our email list to anyone. You'll never get an unsolicited email from a stranger as a result of joining this list.

* If you happen to purchase anything I recommend in this or any of my communications, its likely I'll receive some kind of affiliate compensation. Still, I only recommend stuff that I truly believe in and share with my friends and family. If you ever have an issue with anything I recommend please let me know. I want to make sure I am always serving you at the highest level.

* To subscribe, visit:
getorganizednow.com/free-ezine.html


* To unsubscribe, if you absolutely must go, please click the link below. However . . .

YIKES! - If you unsubscribe, you'll lose all the complimentary organizing resources I share with my loyal readers each week. You'll lose the Weekly Tips, Reader Tips, Reader Clinics, complimentary videos, ebooks, resource recommendations, and the many valuable bonuses I offer each month (some totaling hundreds of dollars). Please don't go. I love sending you all of this free training. I'd be lost and lonely without you. If there is something more you would like from my newsletters, then please reply to this email and let me know.
-- Maria Gracia