i adore summer.  the days are longer . . . 'to do' lists are shorter . . . the warmer weather and life on-the-go.

not to mention, oodles of time spent traveling and exploring.

I used to think I had to take just about everything in my closet, as if this were safest.  then travel around nursing my sore shoulders, saddled with a bunch of clothes i never wore and an abundance shoes that just took up space.

i have learned the hard way, that when i packed too much, i weigh myself down with stuff I don't really want, and certainly don’t need.

and the true irony of it all is the more i end up trying to jam in – the more i end up leaving behind.

you see, all the clutter only makes the vital indistinguishable from the frivolous.  hence, the yoga mat would accidentally get left behind as I tried to make room for a sixth pair of shoes.

these days, my family has one firm rule: you pack it – you carry it.  and no matter how long we're away or how far we travel – its just one backpack for each.

thus packing has become almost ritualistic for each of us.

and each and every item gets thoughtful consideration before it goes in the bag.

because just as important as what goes in, is what we decide to leave out.

once liberated with the realization that much of what we bring is nonessential - burdensome even - our load becomes only as heavy as we choose for it to be.

they say this life is one great journey, with each and every day here to offer you a new opportunity to spend time with those you love, to learn more about yourself and the world around, to discover, to explore, to grow.  

so i ask . . . what will you choose to pack?

i beg you to carefully consider each item before you place it in your bag. and let me warn you, anger and resentment are heavy and take up incredible amounts of room, while forgiveness and love are light and easy to carry.

make room for what is valuable, be willing to discard that which is not – and be cautious not to confuse the two.

remember - this is day is a once in a lifetime trip.  and the lighter your load, the further you'll journey.

ultimately, what you carry is a choice that is yours to make.