From the Archives

[The following is another piece written a few years ago when I was exploring alternative formats for storytelling.]

DON’T LEAVE HOME WITHOUT IT

A Packing Checklist for Your Journey to Self-Love and Peace

Congratulations! You’ve finally gifted yourself with the trip of a lifetime: you’re going to sort yourself out, grow all the way up, and thrive. Use this handy checklist to ensure you have everything you need for this extended and exhilarating journey. Regardless of your point of departure, these essentials will be invaluable as you travel toward the self-love and peace that you so richly deserve.

 > Your favorite alertness aid. This trip is going to deliver a wallop of reality on waves of hard truths, so you’ll need help in fighting the understandable urge to return to your previous dream state.

> Fierce determination. As with any trip, you can expect minor inconveniences. In some cases there may even be unforeseen catastrophes. So you have to resolve that this is the trip you want to take. You have to really want it.

> A dash of courage. Remember, courage is being scared shitless but taking that first step anyway.

> A reason why. You need to keep the reason why you want to take this trip front and center for easy reference when the going gets tough. Maybe you’re escaping a bad situation. Or maybe you want to set a good example for someone else. Or maybe, it’s just your turn.

> Pest deterrent. At certain points along your journey, you’ll be swarmed by those who wish you harm, those who dislike the changes you’re making, those who misunderstand or judge you, or those with a truckload of unsolicited advice. We highly recommend what we consider the best deterrent on the market today, Boundaries.

> Curiosity. You’re going to see and hear and feel things that you’ve never considered before. Open up your mind to the endless possibilities and you’ll get so much more out of your trip.

> A white flag. This will come in handy when you reach obstacles that can’t be controlled or changed. There will be points where you’ll have to surrender, to accept the situation and reroute yourself.

> Compassion. You’re going to get lost, or spend time unproductively, or pick up souvenirs you don’t need. It’s all part of the trip, so be kind to yourself and those who may have misled you.

> A lifeline. Whether they take the trip with you or not, you’re going to need a person who knows and loves you that you can call on in times of emergency. That person may change as your travels unfold.

> A logbook. Keeping a daily account of your journey will not only provide a record for future investigation and celebration; it will help immensely with planning and logistics as you travel.

> A cache of reality tests. These will be a crucial resource when you arrive at a crossroads. Especially when you’re considering taking the path you’ve taken unsuccessfully earlier. Or when you’re considering throwing in the towel and canceling the rest of the trip.

> Gratitude. It’s hard to feel grateful when you’re dealing with seemingly endless manmade and natural disasters. If you can start your trip by acknowledging your gratitude for being fortunate enough to be attempting it, you’ll eventually find yourself feeling genuine gratitude for that and myriad other blessings along the way.

***

Thanks for reading.

GOOD THINGS

Recovery from Covid. Despite still testing positive and blowing my nose and hacking more than I'd like (and terrible cabin fever), I'm thrilled to report that I'm feeling better every day.