What did I forget to bring?



What are you leaving behind?

In the past, when preparing for a trip/vacation I would try and pack several different outfits of clothing in an effort to be prepared for whatever event that "may" come up.  I even made sure that I had all of my hair essentials with me as well because I wanted my hair to match my clothes and my mood (more on this in a later post).  I wanted to be dressed appropriately for any event I attended.  If I was to attend a special dinner, I wanted to say to myself, I'm covered.  If I was to take a stroll on the beach, I'm covered.  If I was just to go to church, I'm covered.  I would try to think of any and all possible scenarios and try to have clothing to match, because I didn't want to say, "I forgot to bring that!" 

Well, I've noticed over the years this type of thinking caused a great deal of unnecessary stress on me and my husband prior to arriving at our destination.  My husband had to carry all of my bags...hair bag included and didn't understand why the need for so many clothes.  My bags were numerous and heavy.  Upon our departure homeward bound I would realize often that many of the things I packed I never wore or used (My husband realized this too ).  It took some time and several trips, but I soon began to understand that less is more!  Not only with my packing, but with life in general.

It is now 2012.  I'm preparing for virtual trip/journey.  Did I forget to bring something?  Yes...I am happy to say, yes I did!  I forgot to pack any excess baggage!  By stating excess baggage, I mean anything that I was approached with that did not promote love, peace, unity, harmony,etc..., I chose not to take the time to pack it up and carry it along with me into the new year. I don't want to be burdened by any heavy baggage.  I will no longer let negative thoughts or actions by others consume me.  I won't let other people's problems become my own.  Negativity can drain you emotionally and it can age you physically.  Sometimes, you have to let some things (and people) go, pray about the situation and be still. Let go and let God!  Stand still and consider the wondrous works of God (Job 37:14).  Now mind you, this does not mean that I will not be there for a friend who needs a listening ear or ignore wrongs being committed against me or love ones.  What I am I saying is that when dealing with negative thoughts and actions, my reaction will be that of love and peace, always.  "God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change,  Courage to change the things I can, And wisdom to know the difference."

Now that I have learned not to carry in excess, I now have room to experience all the wonders that this life, that I have been blessed with, has to give and I carry this along with me instead.

Wishing you a Blessed and baggage free 2012! 

Happy New Year!