Unpacking Baggage

Written by Kimberly Hall

Photo by Belinda Fewings

Imagine you have a bag that you packed twenty years ago, and you’ve continued to add things to it over the years. The bag weighs more now, but you’ve gotten used to carrying it. One day, you decide it doesn’t make sense to carry this heavy load anymore, so you start to slowly unpack the bag.  

The unpacking begins . . .

At some of the happiest moments of my life, I felt too afraid to fully celebrate. Instead, I patiently would wait for the other shoe to drop.  I couldn’t pinpoint why I felt this way, but it was a fear that consumed my thoughts often.  Looking from the outside, people thought I was fearless, but on the inside, there were moments when I felt paralyzed by fear.  As I unpacked these emotions, I realized I was afraid of loss—a pain I knew all too well and didn’t want to suffer again.  

Understanding this fear was the first step in unpacking my baggage. Though I wasn’t completely fearless, I began to fear less. I consistently wrote in my prayer journal and asked God to help me live in the moment.  I referenced my favorite scripture often and posted it in my planner so I could see it when I was anxious.  Attacking this head-on helped me to change my mindset.  I was determined to live my life to the fullest, and I couldn’t do that if I lived in fear.  I’m not saying I’ve totally eliminated my fear of loss, but when I focus on living in the present instead of fearing the future, I fully appreciate the moments of today and celebrate them. This has lightened my baggage a great deal.  

What’s in your bag? If your bag is starting to feel heavy, please know there are resources and people who can help you lighten your load.  

Favorite scripture:

Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:6-7