A 20 kg Speed Bump

Today begins an amazing adventure. An adventure that is behind my wildest dreams. When I have tried to wrap my mind around all that is to come, I come up blank.

I am leaving today to meet my college roommate (from almost 30 years ago) in New Zealand where we are set to explore the amazing wonders of life “down under”. I know I am blessed beyond belief to be able to do this. I have felt guilty. I have felt that I should not have this opportunity when my family is staying here. I have felt like a month is too long to be gone from my family.

Until I hit this 20 kg speed bump. Then my focus was diverted elsewhere. Twenty kilograms. That is the weight limit that our checked bags need to be for domestic travel in Australia. From someone who prides herself on being the mom that has exactly what you need when you need it, 20 kg for a month is not a lot. This has consumed my brain the last week.

This 20 kg limit has stretched me. It has challenged me to really prioritize what I need for the coming weeks. I know I don’t have everything I want. I don’t even have everything that I probably will need.

But I have this opportunity. This time. These world wonders to embrace. Time with my dear friend and time with precious people I have even yet to meet.

If my luggage limit would have been 23 kg, I would have stressed about meeting that limit, and I would have then been burdened with lugging around that many more extra unnecessary items.

Here is to embracing wonders down under, a little lighter for the journey.

Lighter so I can have room to soak in and embrace all that is to come.