What’s in your Backpack?

Imagine you are traveling, with a backpack, as you visit many different countries or climates. Perhaps you are embarking on a several-day journey hiking in the woods, with your needs solely on your back. As you continue your journey, you may accumulate souvenirs or items that remind you of special places, that you want to share with loved ones. Your backpack gets heavier. You might realize that the heavy sweater that is weighing you down is no longer needed in a sunny beach climate. Or maybe, you recognize that the backpack was manageable on Day 1, but not so much on Day 6.

So goes our journey in this human condition called life. We often carry around these heavy backpacks of expectations, “shoulds”, and old paradigms that no longer serve us. We adjust, thinking we can carry them until they no longer are manageable. It’s only when the pain in our backs screams at us that we pay attention and make adjustments.

So how do we know what to keep or toss? What new items do we need to add? Below are some questions to consider when you may be at an inflection point of change:

• What are your top values and priorities at this moment? (Hint: These go in FIRST).

• What thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors are no longer serving you?

• What thoughts, beliefs, or behaviors continue to be useful?

• When you look ahead and are honest with yourself- what do you need to carry for the path ahead?

• Is there any item you can give to someone else, ie, delegate?

Consider what may make your backpack lighter or more comfortable and meaningful for the road ahead. Recognize that often, when we remove an item, we recognize that it did serve us at one point. Channel Marie Kondo here - thank it for its service, and say goodbye. It served you at the time, and it’s no longer needed or wanted. Build your new pack that is lighter and brings with you all the tools you need for the journey ahead.