Pack your bag and lighten your load…

Lightening the load…

A concept that doesn't quite sit right with me…

As I’m packing my bag, I tell myself I’ll just take clothes for a week, sunscreen, bug spray, toiletries, my camera, my MP3 player, SD cards, a power adapter, chargers, a backup battery, sandals, sneakers, books, and a rain jacket…. Since I’m not checking any luggage, the whole thing has to weigh less than 10 kg.

At the time, that seemed like a good plan… But in the end? What a hassle! 10 kg? Will I be able to carry all this on my back nonstop—or almost nonstop? I feel like I’m carrying the weight of the world on my shoulders—well, I’ve always had that feeling, but now it’s not just a feeling anymore! I can feel it!

We women tend to always pack too much. “You never know,” “I’ll take it just in case…” And yet, half of what we have in our luggage won’t even get used!

My stuff has been lying on my table for two days… “Lighten the load, let go”—like a mantra, I repeat this phrase to myself tirelessly every time I walk past it, maybe hoping it’ll click.

Let go—I’ve always heard that phrase without ever understanding its true meaning. People have explained it to me many times, but it’s no use. When you have “a mind of steel,” as some say, you can’t let go, because you feel like you’re losing control at the same time. At least, that’s what I think! The few times I’ve tried it, I’ve been hit with a pretty violent backlash and ended up getting my wings singed. Did I do it the right way? Did I understand how to do it or not…? I don’t think so.

Looking at my bag, these endless discussions come back to mind. My psychological baggage compared to my carry-on luggage… Sorting through it, keeping only what’s absolutely necessary, making a list of what’s useful and what isn’t. So I leave the unnecessary things by the wayside—in this case, in my laundry basket. That’s a bit confusing, isn’t it? But too much weight will weigh us down and leave no room for new experiences.

So what’s really important, after all? The camera and its accessories, the cell phone, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, the rain jacket… what about clothes? If I cut the trip from one week to 3–4 days, that might work—and I could downsize my toiletries kit to just a toothbrush, toothpaste, a perfume sample, and some coconut oil to cover the rest. That should do it; otherwise, my back will be a mess by the time I get back.

In the end, lightening the load shouldn’t be that complicated as long as I know where I want to go and stay focused on my goal. I’m going on a 24-day trip; I want to hike and explore.

Everything else is superficial.

Ninve

P.S.: After cutting back, I’m down to 8 kg 400… that’s fine 🙂