'I get so tired of cleaning my house,' said Sherry one day when a few of us went for coffee after yoga class. 'It just gets messy again. I know I need to keep up, but I have a hard time motivating myself. How do you all do it?'

'Well,' began Linda, 'I don't think about cleaning too much. I just do it. I have my routines to keep things orderly and clean. It is just what I do.'

'I hope I don't sound too `Pollyanna-ish' when I say this,' began Sarah, 'but honestly, I love my house. It's my warm, safe place, the place I most like to be. And because I love it, I want to keep it clean and organized. Does that sound too weird?'

We all assured her it did not sound weird, and we went on to reflect on her comments. Sarah was onto something with keeping her home clean and organized. It does show love and that you care. After all, you cared enough to buy or rent the house. (Or apartment...home does not have to be a house.) You may have fallen in love with your home when you first saw it, maybe it was the great view, or the garden, or the kitchen. Something attracted you to it. If you loved the place enough to put down a deposit and make monthly payments, don't you love your home enough to keep it at its best?

That which we love we care for...our children, our pets, our garden, maybe our car. If we love our home, we want to take care of it. We do repairs that are needed, and we keep it clean and organized.

'Well, that's great,' said Anne, 'but we are in a small apartment near the University, while John finishes his Ph.D. It is convenient and allows us to save money. But I cannot honestly say I love the apartment.'

Sometimes where we live is temporary, or we are not fond of our homes, but moving is not an option. What then? Then you find a way to generate a little love, at least warmth, toward it. Is there something you can do to fix it up, brighten it a little, and make it more of a place you want to come home to?

Getting it clean and organized can be the first step to loving your home, rather than the other way around. Caring for something can generate love. And it is actually a way of showing self-love and respect. You care enough and respect yourself enough to want to make your home a good place for you.

It is a circular thing. You love your home, so you care for it, keeping it tidy and in order. Keeping it clean and uncluttered makes you feel good, so you come to enjoy your home more. If you are feeling less than warmhearted toward the place you live, give it some care and see if you don't feel better about it. As you come to like and appreciate it more, you will want it to be clean and neat, and more of a place you look forward to coming home to.

Just a very quick shout out to let you know that my latest issue of Anything and Everything is now available. It's the FEBRUARY 2020 issue and I know you're going to love it. Check it out:

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

If you don't already receive it, it's a great time to get your hands on a full year of Anything and Everything because, when you do, we're giving away 10 Bonuses, AND ALL of the back issues...complimentary!

Here are the topics in the FEBRUARY Issue...

Social media: the good, the bad, and the ugly
Most of us use one or more forms of social media and it can be informative, educational, and fun.until it's not. There are some real dangers and drawbacks everyone should be aware of

A dozen ways to make good first impressions
The first seven seconds are crucial when you meet someone for the first time. Nail a good first impression on the head

Prep for a good night's sleep: 20 strategies
Do you have trouble falling asleep? These 20 strategies may be just what you need to help you get that much-needed shut eye

When your routine gets sidetracked
Routines work great...until distractions stop us in our tracks. Here are ways to deal with distractions, ranging from minor ones to emergencies

Recipes of the Month
It's 'Heart Health' month and here are two yummy, healthy recipes to help you celebrate.
-Baked Oatmeal with Bananas and Berries
-Parmesan Baked Artichoke Hearts

Household Chore Hazards
What may seem like a simple household chore may be way more dangerous than you think. Know these hazards and take the proper precautions to ensure the safety of yourself, your family and your home

Won't You Be My Neighbor?
In celebration of Valentine's Day, my challenge to you is to "love thy neighbor" in the best way you can. Here are 7 ideas

If you don't already subscribe to my 'Anything and Everything' resource, you can learn about how to do so here:

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

We have thousands of readers who LOVE it...and I'm certain you will too!

Maria

P.S. BONUS SPECIAL...Only Until 11:59 p.m. on FEBRUARY 7: When you sign up for your Anything and Everything Subscription, you will receive tons of bonuses, plus ALL the BACK ISSUES COMPLIMENTARY!

Access EVERYTHING BELOW (and more!) on my NEWLY DESIGNED Home Page. Visit:
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GON February Checklist LOVE your organized life! Start today with our NEW February Organizing Checklist

GON Mini Challenges Our February Mini Challenges are: Organizing Your Memories. Focus on WEEK 1 this week

Access EVERYTHING ABOVE (and more!) on my NEWLY DESIGNED Home Page. Visit:
getorganizednow.com

A house is made with walls and beams. A home is made with love and dreams. --Unknown

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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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