Don’t know if there is a solution, but the absolute worst thing for me related to travel is the dreaded P word…. PACKING – and despite efforts to do it a different way, I always leave it until the last minute. I have no idea how my problem can be solved. Luggage feels like a necessary evil – if I want to travel and if I don’t want to be caught short I gotta do what I gotta do. I sense that my dilemma has something to do with making choices.
In my day-to-day I am organized, prepared and best of all – I am spontaneous. I do have to admit that my Ford Escape is usually a storage place for extra jackets, tripod, Kleenex, books, gum, hand lotion, eye glasses, sun glasses…. I think you get the picture. Right now I have three pairs of gloves and mitts in my back seat. When I have the freedom to have my personal vehicle accessible, the sky is the limit in what I am able to bring with me.
Packing for air travel is another story. I have limitations. Shoes are always a challenge when packing for a flight – do I need running shoes, sandals, high heels, beach shoes? Heck, that alone probably weighs five pounds. It is always necessary to pack a hair dryer and curling iron. I have travelled with other people who choose not to pack theirs and ask to borrow mine. Why can’t I do that?
Florida bound in January for a month-long stay, so I’d better go prepared. On the other hand, my host and I both love exploring in the vintage/resale/consignment stores where there are always lots of treasures to be found. I’m wondering aloud – hmmmmmmm – going empty and returning home full might be a good idea. Then the suitcase is only burdensome one-way.
It is quite shocking when I realize just how heavy my clothes are. I notice this more when I have to carry it, drag it, lift it. Dropping it into the suitcase requires little effort but lugging it around does. Sort of like another kind of baggage, problems, judgments and anger. I know that the weight of these could deplete me if I choose to drag them along like a sack of rocks. So I take the path of least resistance by hanging on to the lighter things like laughter, joy, appreciation, gratitude, acceptance, etc.
Gee, I wonder if I could do the same thing with packing – taking along only the lighter things – the things that give me joy!
Note: A post/post – I am feeling a bit vindicated; like, I’m not alone in this. Within about a half hour of posting this I was working on a crossword. One of the clues was ‘traveler’s burden’. Guess what the answer was.
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