I am packing for a ten-day trip to New York to visit my daughter, grandsons and other family.  I am excited to see them, especially since my youngest grandson, 10 months old, has grown so much since I saw him last at Christmas. (Thank the universe for video chats!)  I am very happy to be taking this trip, but I do have to say preparing for travel takes its toll on me. Add to the arduousness of packing and finishing up tasks at home, my usual travel anxiety--will I get to the airport on time? will I forget anything? will the plane land safely? etc.--and the result is sleep difficulty.

Packing has always been time-consuming for me, and much thought goes in to choosing the right clothes and accessories for a variety of occasions as well as deciding what not to bring.  (Should I pack a sweatshirt just in case or  borrow one from someone up there?)  I select clothes that I not only like but that will be comfortable and easy; then comes washing, ironing, folding/rolling, and arranging efficiently--well, you know. And then there are gifts to bring and airline weight and other considerations. 

Today the thought occurred to me, what if I were packing my suitcase (it's a pretty big one) knowing I would never be able to return to the rest of my belongings; what would I choose? A silly game with myself, but also an attempt at self-awareness.  What would I find out about what is important to me?  

Turns out, I choose nothing. That is to say,  I would take take whatever it is I would take anyway. Those include a tablet computer, crappy cell phone, cameras, and a bunch of light summer clothing. If I knew I wouldn't return I would take my best jewelry because it's small and valuable and sentimental. But  I can live without or replace any possession. Nothing is truly important to me except people and experiences.  That was not always the case. I adore having pleasing objects around me and I have spent a fair amount of time in my life thinking about and embellishing my nest.

Although I have divested myself of much "stuff"  since I moved into a smaller house, my rooms are still filled with things--furniture and art and books and seashells and rocks and crystals and flowers and knick knacks--and I don't claim enlightenment.  As I get older, I just do not need the kinds of things I once thought necessary: all those Christmas decorations, for example.   

I am still not finished packing.  But I know that whatever I bring or don't bring will be fine.  I can let go of baggage anxiety.  I am going to visit my daughter and sisters and we always share.  (We don't mind shopping either.)  The point is, my baggage is all good.  I'm  going home.

Today's link: Envirosacks. Great bags to have on hand!