I have traveled several times in the past few months. Anyone who knows me well or has traveled with me knows that I am a heavy packer. In fact, I’ve pretty much defaulted to flying southwest since the first two bags are free. Shout out to southwest for the favor and grace!

A few benefits to packing heavy were various clothing options, and I often had something someone else might’ve forgotten. Oh, you need (insert the most random item)? I got you!

On the flip side, the process of traveling heavy was a complete and total headache – and quite embarrassing. I would often give disclaimers upfront – “So, you know I can’t pack, right?” Or, “Brace yourself and don’t say a word; I know it’s a lot.”

Something had to change

I found myself in a place where I was bothered by my packing consumption so much that it created a love-hate relationship with traveling. After much thought, I realized the problem: I suffered from packing F.O.M.O. (Not sure if that’s a thing, but here we are).

I feared not having the right things to wear or everything I’d need. I was carrying around extra stuff, and although it seemed beneficial, it was actually heavy, burdensome, and excessive. In fact, I’d return home with more than half untouched – which served me no purpose and was just WEIGHT!

The upgrade

But guess what, yall! I intentionally traveled with a small suitcase/carryon only during my most recent travels and it felt so freeing and light and DRUMROLL…..I had everything that I needed!

That situation reminded me of the times I mentally and emotionally carried things that were unnecessary and served me no good for where I was going. Those heavy loads of mental burdens, our past, people, jobs, worries, etc., that we tend to bear. How often do we carry things that we don’t need, things that serve us no value except excessive weight on the journey to our destiny? Don’t get me wrong, the intent might seem well, but when you finally arrive, you realize you didn’t need it after all.

And just like at the airport, the excessive weight comes with a cost? I’ll let you marinate on that one.

Before your next move, I want to encourage you with the following:

Three ways to unpack the load toward more freedom in your life.

1. Stop and access what you are carrying
   • Take inventory of the things (people, responsibilities) in your life at the current moment
2. Decide what you’ll need for where you are going
   • You can’t take everything and everyone with you
3. Don’t be afraid to leave the unnecessary behind
   • It is ok to lighten the load and only take along the necessities

Don’t fear the things you have to leave behind. Be decisive in your decisions and let go! Trust me; it is freeing when you begin to pack light!

I have decided to make strides to replace that F.O.M.O. with trust and faith that I will (and ALREADY) have everything I need – Psalm 23:1.

Reflection: How can you lighten your load? What are you carrying that needs to go?

Hey! Are you ready to move forward, but the weight (mental or physical burdens) may be slowing you down or keeping you stuck? I’d love to walk alongside you as you begin to unpack so you can experience the freedom and momentum that comes with a lighter load. Schedule a free purpose call here, and let’s chat!

Be blessed!

Shontel