The Art of Packing Light for Your Journey Through Life
No, seriously this is just about packing light and avoiding bag fees with some philosophical shit thrown in for good measure.
Packing Light
It wasn’t until my first trip to Scotland with Brenda back in 2012 that I started to embrace traveling light. If I remember correctly, this was in part due to Rick Steves. The man is a pack-light evangelist. A sweater, a pair of pants, two pairs of underwear, socks, and an ounce of Colombian gold, and that man is ready to rock Europe. I probably should insert the Scorpions “Rock You Like A Hurricane” here, but no…fuck that shitty tune. Don’t get me wrong, I dig some of the Scorpions' tunes, but that one blows. Sorry, I digress.
Before Scotland, I was filling these behemoth bags full of jeans, t-shirts, sweatshirts, shorts, whatever the climate called for, and more. You’d think I was setting off with Lewis and Clark to explore the Louisiana Purchase, or insert your favorite explorer here. If nothing else, I was testing the limits of zipper and clasp strength on my suitcases. Straps pulled to nearly the breaking point.
The thought processes that led to giant bag syndrome ran something like this: So Chuck, it might rain, so let's pack all the rain gear you have. It might also be cold, so grab those three hoodies, some long underwear, and oh hell, throw in that down parka. I may want to work out, so better bring those running shoes. Oh yeah, we plan to hike Everest, so better bring a pair of boots, an ice axe, and crampons.
I admit that warmer climates led to bags that weren’t quite Olympian in weight and size. Yet, I’d find a way to bring too much stuff. I’ve got all these awesome beer and concert t-shirts. Surely everyone that I’m visiting with will want to see me rocking these bad boys, right? I’m the center of my universe!
It took years to figure out that less is more. I think what happened in 2012, which initiated traveling lighter, was a process of getting older and more confident in who I am. I also had Brenda on my side. A fantastic partner in life who reflects back to you love and compassion is essential to packing light.
No one gives a hoot what I look like as I’m sashaying down O’Connell Street in Dublin or scrambling along the Cliffs of Moher. The point is the adventure. A heavy bag full of contingencies is only going to slow you down. Instead of blowing out a shoulder trying to hoist that mammoth bag of doubts and fears, I can be free to zip along to my next destination.
As you can see, packing light is more than just a travel philosophy. For years, I weighed myself down with concerns that just don’t matter. Will anyone care about my writing, my photos, my music, my art? What do I need to do to reach more people, to get that extra “like” or hit upon that holy grail of a “viral post”? How do I avoid looking foolish in my pursuits?
What I’ve found is that none of that shit matters. There is no reason to carry around that ten-ton travel chest of worries. Especially when it comes to doing the things I love, such as writing and photography. When I’m packing light, I don’t give a fuck if anyone reads my posts or admires my photos. The only person to please is me. If I enjoyed the act of creating, then that is all I need. If my creative pursuits happen to inspire someone else, that is icing on the cake.
Instead of spinning my wheels on how to impress, I’ve found that all I need is Brenda’s love and my satisfaction in doing my best. (Sort of like Steve the Otter 🙂). Packing light allows me the freedom and flexibility to use my strength to lift up others. Without the negativity of doubt and fear, I can focus on the positive. Shining a light on others is easy and lightens my pack even more.
Don’t get me wrong, there are still times when I want to stuff a mega-duffel bag full of my troubles. There are times when my poorest skill, patience, is tested. Then I started packing a big old bag of woe. When this happens, I remind myself to lighten up. Packing light is where it’s at.
One last hot tip on packing light is learning to trust. Or perhaps this tip is to take the path of least resistance. Instead of dragging my roller bag, which clearly isn’t international travel-size, on the plane in the quest to secure that elusive overhead bin space before my fellow passengers, I check my bag. Do I hedge my bet on my bag making it to my destination? Hell yes! I always stow a few pairs of underwear and a shirt in my small carry-on backpack. I mean, trust is one thing, but you don’t want to get caught short, right?
Upcoming Events You Won't Want to Miss
Folks, we’ve got a super duper new events calendar on Life In Michigan. Now, you can wander through a treasure trove of events we’ve scoured the interwebs to bring to you. With that change, I won’t flood your inbox with a laundry list of events (see…packing light!). Instead, hit the big list on our site and take a peek at these gems I wanted to highlight for you.
Annie and Rod Capps with Jason Dennie at Crazy Wisdom on May 17th
Detroit Music Scene Mixer at Guitar Hi Fi on May 18th
Steampunk on the Bricks at Art 634 on May 24th
In Other News
We were back at Manchester Brewing for their grand opening block party, which featured music from Wilson Thicket. Despite the rain, it was one hell of a shindig.
Our four-legged family is so very dear. Chuck Colby from The Sun Times News shares a tribute to his friend and family member, Chester.
Life In Michigan Podcast
The latest episode of the Life In Michigan podcast is with our friend Kevin McKinney from Barrel + Beam, sharing his journeys in life and across Michigan.
Exploring Michigan’s Beer Scene and the U.P. with Kevin McKinney of Barrel + Beam
Join us for a fun conversation with Kevin McKinney, Sales and Distribution Manager at Barrel + Beam. Kevin shares his journey from his time in the military and how his love for travel and beer eventually led him to the Upper Peninsula. We talk about his experiences in the Michigan craft beer scene, the unique farmhouse ales of Barrel + Beam, and the joy…
Substack Restack Attack
Substack is where it’s at. Check out these other superb publications:
Once again, I’m finding some great perspective from
I’m a big fan of
’s Honest Broker. He recently shared some thoughts on culture collapse that were picked up by Derek Thompson and Spencer Kornhaber.
The title image drew me in, but
’s words held me.
Brenda has already created some zines, and I’m starting my project.
from See You has a super helpful story on making your booklets.
Adventures Yet To Print
As we are traveling in Ireland currently, the stories from home are on the back burner. However, we do have some great stories in our vault. My mission to you, should you choose to accept it, is to head over to Life In Michigan and let me know what you find 🙂
Detroit Vinyl and Beer status: It's complicated.
What Are You Reading? What Are You Spinning?
As we are on the road in Ireland this week, I’ve not spent much time reading or listening to albums. So for this week’s Sunday Sip, I’ve got another mission for you…share your favorite albums and books 😀
That’s A Wrap
As my buddy Sturgill once said:
“Keep your head out of the clouds
And remember to be kind
And just stay in school
Stay off the drugs
And keep between the lines.”
Thank you for reading. I hope your week is awesome! Don’t forget to kick out the jams!
Now, here is your moment of zen:
Word to travel AND live by! I envy all those that cross your cobbled paths, my friend. Your energies and love are a gift to all. xx
Yessss I love packing light!!