This week’s KISS made me imagine something I’ve never really considered before; condensing my entire existence into a single backpack and stepping into a new world of simplicity.
The thing is, I’ve always fantasized about disappearing for a few days, and during this process wishes time would pause while I was gone, so I could return without the feeling of lagging behind. :) But maybe it’s that very feeling of “lagging behind” that would push me to pick up my backpack and go. To take a break from a world where we constantly try to “make something” of ourselves… A world where the wants of others drown out our own. It’s that exhaustion that would push me to step away, disappear, and live for myself, with only the things that truly matter.
I don’t know if the sacred world I’m disappearing into has any resemblance to this beautiful one I live in now. But one thing I hope exists there is peace.
So, if I were to enter a new world with just a backpack, these are the items I would take:
First and foremost, my journal and pen.
Writing has become a part of me. My current journal holds more than ten years of my life; my fears, pains, lessons, and gratitude, all resting there without judgment. If I ever lose myself, those pages will remind me who I am.
Next, I’d take a notebook, like a second journal.
Here, I would write down all my new experiences; the things I see, the things I can do, and the things I struggle with. There’s always the possibility of discovering a new passion, character, or purpose, and I don’t want to miss the details. Unlike the first journal, this journal would be written with the intention of sharing it someday with my family, especially the younger ones.
The next thing that would go in is a small bag containing a few toiletries, deodorant, and Vaseline. Plus two sets of clothes. I’m always conscious of my appearance, not to impress others, but because looking good makes me feel comfortable in my own skin, and happy.
I would also take a camera for pictures. And a group photo of my family, which would serve as a reminder of my loved ones, my roots, the very people who shaped my beginning.
Then my music box, my favourite book, and a simple button phone would complete the backpack.
The first thing I would drop is my smartphone.
Honestly, my smartphone is my biggest distraction. No pun intended. I spend hours browsing, scrolling, jumping from Google to social media to group chats.As useful as it is, I would rather leave it behind so I can focus on myself and my goals.
I would also leave behind all my emotional baggage, the past experiences that created hidden trauma, disappointments, and all the things that quietly affect my daily life. And I would leave behind my fears. There are so many things I want to do, but fear constantly holds me back; fear of failure, fear of not being enough, fear of not being who I think I am.
In this new world, I want to put myself out there and finally do the things my heart has been whispering to me.
As I write this, all that comes to mind is freedom, identity, and tranquility. I see simplicity. I see clarity, a life where I know exactly what I want and live intentionally.
Maybe there will never be a chance to leave this world behind with a backpack.:) So the best I can do is embrace that peace, simplicity, and intentional living right here, where I already am.
Thank you for reading ✨.