“Time is a circus, always packing up and moving away.” ~Ben Hecht
The next couple of months, I’ll be on the road to series of destinations for varying purposes.
That means packing. And because of the nature of my lifestyle—I exit Canada during her harsher winter months—it means packing for a variety of climates as well as a myriad of occasions.
Professional outfits for some corporate gigs, and ones for family holiday gatherings, and my painting jeans, the ones I can just wipe my hands on and not care, my art supplies, or the reduced selection I’ve carefully culled.
Sweaters, jeans, loungewear, and all kinds of accoutrements: underwear, socks, shoes, boots, scarves, gloves.
And don’t forget the Kindle and the chargers for all the electronics that keep me plugged in and on which I am woefully dependent.
And then there’s my pillow, must take my pillow, can’t sleep anywhere without my pillow, oh, lord, remember the pillow!
It’s a process, but I’m practiced, and have learned over many years of multi-month movement what is essential and what is not.
There is a world of difference between want and need.
In my experience, it’s usually about one suitcase worth.
I’ve also learned to start well in advance, and as soon as I think of some small thing, I grab it and throw it into a small box right by the front door.
All of this lessens my stress level, which is the whole point, and allows for a sort of effortless winter exit.
This, in turn, paves the way for a smooth re-entry. A clean fall exit creates a clean spring entrance.
Only a matter of a few months away.
When I get to unpack my bags for a few months.
And get ready for next fall.
Wash, rinse, repeat.
“The only reason for time is so that everything doesn’t happen at once.” ~Albert Einstein
