I am going on a vacation. I already wrote a newsletter about this and yet…
Still not free…
Talked to my son about the packing.
“Just bring what you love.”
“I’m afraid I won’t have what I need. That somehow if I bring everything I own I will be ok down there. I get nervous travelling. I don’t know why. HELP!!!!”
“I understand. I used to do the same thing. Now, I don’t. I have a great bag and everything fits and life is easier. I travel a lot and my life works.”
“OK, I will take everything out and only put back in what I wear here.”
I tried on some work out pants in case I could wear them on the plane. They were uncomfortable. I took them out and put them back in the closet. I took out a bunch of stuff that I really don’t need – extra work out pants, bras, underwear, shirts and shoes.
I undid the second bag and incorporated everything into the first. Instead of a whole bag of nuts, I took 3 little bags. I checked and they are 9 points. Way too much. Now they are just for emergencies.
I talked to my daughter. “You only need one pair of sneakers.”
“NOOOOOOO.” I screamed.
“You can only wear one pair at a time.”
“You’re killing me,” I said.
“And wear those on the plane with your jacket.”
“FINE.” I said, pouting.
I’ve been telling myself for years that I have “Packers’s Disease.” There’s nothing I can do about it. I just keep filling the bag until I run out of time.
Well, what if I listen to my kids and just say: “I’m a smart packer. I know how to dress. I know how to pack. I love myself. I love my life. I am calm and looking forward to my vacation.”
That would replace: “HELP. They are going to know I’m crazy. I don’t know what I’m doing. My mother told me I have no taste and my daughter tells me I dress like a dyke.) I can’t trust myself. No one can ever love me because I have ISSUES!” (No offense to dykes, it’s just that it wasn’t the look I was going for.”
OK, I am down to one bag. I do wear MOST of what it is in there. I don’t need 7 bras. I will make do with flip flops, sandals and sneakers.
I am feeling calmer.
Thanks for listening.
Creating Life Out Here 
Hilary….. You are hilarious and I loved reading about your packing experience. I remember traveling from Buffalo to Toronto shlepping a suitcase, and my Autobiography & collages, & purse… I hated walking the few blocks w stuff in tow. I now pack one medium size rolling bag that expands & works for 10 days. I use my special washing bags ( for delicate items to seperate: socks, personal,undies, sleep wear, ) roll my pants, turtlenecks, flatten sweaters/jackets/ and wear my bulkiest shoes. PUt laptop , makeup in carry on and extra sandals there. If my husband is with me, I add a pair of shoes/ or heavier jacket to his bag. Another idea: bring stuff you hate, and leave it as a donation where ever you go. You then have room for a new purchase and feel good @ your donation. xoxo
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I love it. Thank you so much. I love you.
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