If I could snap my fingers and magically arrive at my destination, I would be the happiest girl in the world. (I mean, who wouldn’t? Am I right?) To be honest, I don’t even mind the actual flying. Are you kidding me? Getting lost in an audiobook while playing Sudoku or a word puzzle is my idea of a good time. But the packing? Oh boy, do I hate packing.
I really try to get it together. Every. Single. Time. But somehow, it never goes the way I imagine it will in my head. I make a list. I check it twice. (Who do I think I am, Santa Claus?) I plan out my daily wardrobe, and by wardrobe, I mean jeans and a T-shirt because these days, we’re all about comfort over here. Sounds easy enough, right? WRONG. Because that’s when I start realizing just how much stuff I actually have. Clothes that don’t fit anymore (why do we hold on to those?!), two pairs of jeans with holes in the thighs (you know EXACTLY what I’m talking about), and LORD HELP ME, where are all my leggings?!
And did I mention that I live on a tropical island where it’s hot pretty much all year round? So when I get the chance to travel somewhere with actual seasons, that’s when the real panic sets in. What do you mean I need a sweater AND a long-sleeve shirt? Wait, gloves too?! Ma’am. I am not prepared for this. I think it’s a combination of nerves, excitement, and the sudden realization that maybe, just maybe, I need to tone it down a little when it comes to all the stuff I’ve accumulated.
Because imagine for a second that I actually cleaned out my closet. Like, really cleaned it out. Kept only the things I loved, the things that fit, and a few essentials tucked away for when the seasons call. Wouldn’t that be lovely?
Well, last night, I may have thrown a little fit. Internally, of course. The dialogue in my head was ALL over the place, but my lips were pressed together so tightly they practically disappeared. And that’s when my lovely husband stepped in. He didn’t say much. He just quietly started taking the things I’d tossed aside and putting them into a donation pile. And slowly, as that mountain of clothes got smaller, I could actually see what I’d laid out. Suddenly, my brain started clicking. Oh, there’s an outfit. Wait, there’s another one. And would you look at that? Four whole outfits that might actually keep me from freezing my butt off in the Pacific Northwest this coming week. THANK GOD FOR THIS MAN.
But you know what? Something else happened in the middle of that little packing meltdown. I started feeling lighter. Two bags of donations later, I could finally see what I had, what I needed, and what I could happily let go of. And there’s probably a whole lot more where that came from, but we’ll save that adventure for another day. Because I’ve got a red-eye flight tonight, baby, and now the fun can officially commence!
And if you’re one of those people who can just throw a few things into a suitcase and see where the wind takes you, PLEASE send some of that razzle-dazzle my way. I’m trying to be more like you. Seriously. And if you’ve got any packing secrets, tips, or tricks that make the whole process a little less dramatic, send those my way too. Please and thank you!
Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a plane to catch.
Softly & Slowly,
Cindy