Skipping Down the Road to Organised – Ruby Shoes Optional
March 2, 2010 by Angela Esnouf
Filed under Organising Space
A Chinese proverb states, “To get through the hardest journey we need to take only one step at a time, but we must keep on stepping.”
And so it is with being organised in our daily lives. There is no magic pill, potion, diary or storage solution that will have us living perfect clutter-free and punctual lives. Even the most perfect system custom-designed for us can do nothing without our daily contribution.
Go on, say it, “but that’s not fair! I had a big declutter and I put a schedule on the fridge. That should do it.” Well, maybe that’s not what you were thinking. But I have heard it before.
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news. The hardest journey – and for some that’s getting organised – takes one step at a time, over and over and over again.
Er yuck! I just made it sound like getting organised was all “trudge, trudge, trudge” like walking to the gallows. Let’s do something about that, so it’s more “whistle, skip, tra-la-la” like Dorothy on the Yellow Brick Road.
Who did Dorothy have to help her on her journey? A little furry companion she could share her deepest darkest thoughts with. Someone who didn’t judge, someone who was dedicated and dependable. Who’s your Toto?
Then there was Scarecrow, trying to find a brain. On the road to getting organised it’s no different. We need the knowledge, the theory and the facts.
Tin Man knew the importance of a heart. No journey is worthwhile without it. We need our heart to guide our choices.
And then there’s Lion, searching for his courage. Don’t we all at times feel lacking in courage? And like Lion, don’t we surprise ourselves and find it was there all along? When the road ahead looks scary, remember the courage it took to get this far, and take another step and another.
Oh, and there was a basket too. Essential organising tool. Every heroine needs one.
So come on, put on your ruby red slippers and step onto the road to getting organised.
Whistle, Skip, Tra-la-la!
OMG I LERRRRRRVE those shoes!!!
Me too! Those shoes are just great.One step at a time,as simple as that.Keep going.Thanks for the insight
Wouldn’t everything in life be easier and more fun if we wore those gorgeous shoes?
I’m not too partial to red glitter slippers, but if I could click my heels twice and say “House be clean” and it would work – I’d wear ‘em every day!
Ah Bo you’ve got your priorities right I can see. You’re not going to let a bit of bling distract you are you???
And now you mention it if i was choosing between clean house and shoes the glitter would be tossed aside like last week’s smelly fish!
Oh Angela, I’m going to definitely try the ‘whistle, skip, tra-la-la’ as I endeavour (yet again!) to get organised. Maybe what I’m missing is a pair of shiny red shoes… hmmm…
I’ve been clicking my heels but my desk still looks like a bomb hit it! You’re right about it being the hardest journey… and do keep up with the encouragement and tips. I may not always have time to comment, but I always relish your wise words. Thank you!
Organised is not a word people associate with me. I think I need someone to keep me on the straight and narrow. I wander off into side paths and magic forests and forget about what I was supposed to be doing. Sadly, it shows. PAss me the shoes, would you?
I can see those slippers are making a world of difference. Even those who are not partial are trying them on for size. I’m planning some major organising in my own pantry and craft supplies over the coming Melbourne long weekend, so will be employing them and their magic.
Here’s something else I know. Dorothy could have saved herself some time and trouble if she’d had a plan. But let’s face it, sometimes we are simply thrown into unfamiliar territory and have to go where the road leads, making the best choices we can along the way. And isn’t it the lessons we learn along the way that enrich our journey?
Just as you say, Karen, … discoveries you’ve made… so far!
I love the shoes, too, and agree so much with what you say about learning along the way! Because I’m not one of the world’s great exercisers, sometimes the thought of it being a journey feels a bit daunting, but the magical slippers is an image that’ll help me. I do my best home organising when I flit from task to task, doing what’s most enjoyable at the time! I’m thinking of posting and sticking this photo somewhere to remind me I don’t have to trudge.
One tip that helps me on my organisational journey is to see decluttering as a spiralling upward journey rather than a linear one. We may feel like we’re back at square one, but we’ve always evolved.
Thanks, Angela!
You’re welcome, Janice. And you’re right about decluttering being a spiral evolving journey.
At the weekend I decluttered my office space. When my son heard, he exclaimed, “You decluttered the no clutter zone?!”
Yes, yes I did.
Oh, those shoes would match my red leather handbag a treat! Well, maybe not a perfect match but I wouldnt mind so much. Now that I think of it, that seems to be my decluttering style too – its not perfect, but it makes me feel good.
Thanks for the tips and insight Angela and the reminder of a favourite old movie that I still watch whenever its on TV. “We’re off to see the wizard..”