Traveling Light: A Journey of Intentional Living

After so much travel through the years, I've become a pro-packer despite varying climates and time zones. I've also become a packing minimalist with a capital M. I can pack a load of black clothes by rolling each garment then stacking the rolls like chopsticks. I can puzzle together necessary hygiene products with luxury beauty creams in one small cosmetic bag without much fuss. I've even mastered the art of accessorizing—necklaces, earrings, scarves and belts—so one black turtleneck transforms into ten different looks. And by default, every time I start packing for long trips with limited items, I think deeply about the things we carry in life. Why is editing out unnecessary people, places and things so trying, difficult and sometimes painful? Why does saying "no" seem like bad manners? And why can the weight of people's asks and expectations feel so overwhelming and disorienting? Why is it so tricky to travel light?