Maybe you’ve seen this saying before: “Take Only Pictures. Leave Only Footprints.”
I saw it often as a child when my family and I would visit the National Parks. On those vacations I always wanted to pick a few wild flowers, or take home a seashell. But there was always that sign: “Take Only Pictures. Leave Only Footprints.”
This sign would remind me to leave everything just as I found it, so the National Parks would be just as beautiful for the next person (and generation!) as they were for me.
This is terrific advice not just for vacationers, but for those of us on an organizing journey as well. How great would your home look if every single day, you left nothing but footprints? If you put your things away, as soon as you were finished, wouldn’t your home look terrific? Wouldn’t you feel great? And wouldn’t you be a great influence on others (like your family members) as well?
Give it a try by taking action! Start today by putting away everything you use today. If you take it out, put it away — and leave only footprints.
I love the parallel you drew between putting things away and only leaving footprints. Some days I am better than others at doing this. Today at 6:30 a.m. I walked in the family room and thought this needs some better Karma so I did just that–I took things out of there that belonged in other rooms. Last night I was just too tired,(that is usually when I do the quick put away trick) but today was a new day so it was all done in about 7 minutes, including the vacuuming.What a good feeling.
(I thought it was okay to take little sea shells, they just get washed away).
mmmmm. I needed that…. a reminder that I should practice what I preach in as far as tidying up is concerned. I’m always moaning at the kids and my hubby, but I’m just as guilty or even more so….. Just looking around now, I see more of my stuff than anyone else’s. Thanks for that, Aby!!!!