Baggage has been the demise of some of my most successful, and let's face it, most dysfunctional, relationships. Not the plain-Jane black suitcase kind of baggage you try to find on the conveyor belt that resembles 50 other people's luggage, or the sassy leopard print bag that belongs to the over-age sex kitten, but that clingy Baggage that we carry around with us every single day. Stuck to us like cellulite to thighs.
We tuck it away in a back bedroom closet, hoping the old adage "out of sight, out of mind" kicks in. We bury it in the backyard next to Fido's remains and plant flowers in hopes it is never discovered. We may even decide to boldly display it smack dab in front of the big screen in our living room, because, well, no one ever discusses a big elephant in the room.
Regardless of how we try to handle our own Baggage, the truth is, we often never actually DEAL with it. It's scary, hairy, funky and grimy. It smells of regret, wreaks of disdain and we fear there is not enough forgiveness in it to overcome the stench.
I decided recently to open up my own Baggage. I'm not talking about taking a lil' peek with one eye closed and one foot ready to bolt out of the nearest door (or window, if things went really bad). I opened that bad boy up like the mighty Hulk (after unlocking all the pass codes, pin #s and security questions I'd previously used to keep up my walls)!
I hoped to find some cute shoes or a sexy lil' black dress in there but instead I was greeted by memories. Dozens and dozens of memories. Racing my heart like Daytona cars, causing tears to take a stroll down my cheeks and land on my modest chest, making me laugh until I snorted (luckily I don't drink milk) and I was the most free that I had ever felt.
It was all on the table, metaphorically and literally. And, as I brought out each item and addressed the heavy weight it has been in my life, it faded away like Bill Cosby's morals. (too soon??) The lighter my Baggage became, the more enlightened I became, as well. It took a strong moment of character and bravery, hoping that not only would I be ready for this Baggage revelation, but that my loved ones would be ready to accept it, also.
I pack lighter these days. I still occasionally put my foot in my mouth but I'm learning to become more graceful. And, most importantly, I'm finding financial freedom now that there are no more Baggage fees in my bedroom!
Sabrina K. Carpenter
