As I left for work, I was pleased with my progress as I was solidly in the "Everything's lost" phase of packing (the 3rd of five incredibly dramatic phases).
Just to review the stages of packing are as follows:
1. "This should be easy." These are the moments as you have gotten out your suitcase and are pondering all of the times you have packed previously and how from a purely logistics standpoint: having done this deed before it should get easier every time. The bubble over your head might even be thinking about what you are going to do with all of your extra time from the efficiency you will have during packing.
2. "So many choices." #1 is quickly followed by a positive but sometimes anxiety provoking phase (especially with the new luggage restrictions). You could take it all, but you probably need to narrow it down. All of the sudden that green feather boa might just be perfect with those bell bottoms and you have been looking for a place to wear those for a while. This is also the unwalkable room phase if you like to spread things out, you know just so you can see the whole picture.
3. "Everything's lost". This phase is one of abrupt entry. There were "so many choices" until you couldn't find that one thing. Did you let someone borrow it? It looked so cute last time you traveled. It kept you warm, dry, happy and well-fed. Wait... it is not just that one item, there are other key items missing as well. Aaaaaggggghhh. You send texts, make calls, post on craigslist. "Do you have my _____?" All of this is likely to no avail. How are you actually expected to go through with this trip/life without key elements of your very being??
4. "Power through" Those things are gone. Maybe you will never see them again. Life is a marathon right? You have to power through. Put the boa back. Maybe don't. Keep the bell bottoms if they are versatile because well because you are an adult and you make good decisions. At this point in time you need to just do it. It will likely cross your mind that really all you need is a phone, your wallet, and some sort of ID. You don't need any material things. You should separate yourself from them. You will feel emotionally lighter in direct proportion to the weight of your bag. Isn't there some human that traveled the entire world in one outfit for eons? What is your problem? Make it happen or leave it all behind. The time is now.
5. "My survival depends on these other things. (Not in your luggage)" The last and most pivotal point of packing. This is also fondly referred to as the "____ it" phase. During this phase you no longer practice discrimination. Come one. Come all. If the bag is not already closed everything within your arms reach is going inside (return of the boa. "It makes a cute scarf." "There is no harm in just taking it. It is ONE thing and completely different than all the rest.") . And if it is closed you might zip it open just a little and stuff that one other shirt, pair of socks, dress. It is amazing how much room you have left. Why were you wasting it? I mean you never know and those things are calling to you. They don't want to be left behind. You don't want to leave them behind. And it isn't even about "want". It is about need. So you take them all and later have two simultaneously appropriate reactions: Wow i don't remember packing this and how on earth did my bag get so full/ heavy/ unmanageable?
And finally the most visible and public part of this stage: Why are those people staring at me as I stand on top of my bag to close it?
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