I am fascinated with luggage. Every time I travel, I find myself looking at all the different types of suitcases, bags, and styles—even the stickers that many people put on coolers. As the baggage claim conveyer belt goes around and around, I find myself noticing the suitcases that have straps around them to hold everything in. I notice the suitcases that have broken zippers and clothes peeking out of the open area. I see people struggling to get the heavy bags off the belt. 

I find myself wondering about the life of each suitcase owner. 

• Do the contents in the bag represent that individual’s life?
• Is there more to the story? 
• Is their life contained or is it spewing everywhere?

You know me. This brings me to life. Our lives. 

On a recent vacation with family, I noticed that my dad came prepared for everything. When I say everything, I mean everything. He was a Boy Scout and Boy Scouts are prepared. His suitcase represented an important piece of his life. Then there was my son, with his duffle bag that he could carry on the plane. The bag had his essentials and the things that are important to him. His workout clothes, tennis shoes and a handful of clothes he wears on the regular. Did I mention gym clothes? His contents represented what is important to him. It’s actually quite intriguing. We really are who we are and our behaviors match who we are.

I look at my own suitcase. I ALWAYS pack more clothes than I need. In fact, last time I even said to my husband, I know I have too many clothes, but I don’t know which thing to pull out. What if I need something in here? I’ve always struggled with the “never enough” theme in my life—the “just right” amount. It’s a day-to-day struggle for me. Or what if I spilled on my clothes or couldn’t wash them right away? (Mind you, I have a laundry facility right in the room…) I even remember even thinking, I should take out half of what is in here. It would have worked. I only used half of my clothes on the last trip anyway. 

I’m curious what you notice about how you pack your suitcase and what goes in it. What does this tell you about your own life? What are the ways this is useful? Where is some of the “packing” getting in the way?

I’m going to focus on “enough” in my own life. I’m working on the “just right” for a lot of pieces in my world. I am embracing these thoughts: “I am enough,” “this is enough,” this feels “just right.” I’ll keep you posted on my progress over the next few months. I’m a work in progress, just like all of us. Life is a journey, not a destination. I hope your journey is filled with incredible moments, fascinating insights, beautiful connection, and, of course, suitcases that sing to your soul.

Keep SHINING in your brilliance!