I’m in the midst of packing for a trip. I’ve got lots of little tasks before I board the plane tomorrow… Clean the house, prepare dog food, load my iPod, um, pack… So naturally I am fitting in time for a post.

Was thinking of which bag to pack. There will be some formal engagements, so I have to bring a suit. I have a nice little “suiter” bag designed for carry-on. Of course, this would allow me to just have everything with me at all times, but I cannot figure out how to pack it without compromising my newly pressed suit.

The alternative is for me to take the bigger bag which is great for suits, but a little too big for the overhead compartment. At first I was reluctant to give up the efficiency of traveling without checking a bag. But then I remembered the words of Jay, a man I’ve met on some ski trips.

In Jay’s hotel room lay a bag the size of an adult hippo. You could have fit a couple of bodies in the thing if need be. As we we razzing him about Bagzilla, Jay came back with a powerful retort:

“Man, I check everything. I don’t need to be worrying about bags when I travel…”

If you’re not feeling the power of that statement, well, I promise you it had more weight when delivered by a man propped up in his hotel bed by five pillows, margarita in hand. That gave Jay more of an air of authority on relaxation techniques.

So Jay popped into my mind and I’m taking the bigger bag. Yes, I’ll have to check in. Yes, I’ll probably have to wait 15 minutes to collect my bag. Yes, there’s a risk that my bag will go on some adventure without me.

But to be honest, when I’m waiting to board a plane and have to find a spot for my bag, I feel a bit anxious. I feel like I cannot totally relax until my bag is stuffed somewhere above me. I see the same frantic energy in others, some pound pound pounding to make their bags yield to the cramped confines of the compartment.

Sure it sounds like a little thing. And it is. But if you can always sensitize yourself to your personal preferences of what feels better — and choose that — the more ease you’ll experience. While operating this way goes against “time management”, it’s helpful to remember that there’s never a rush in life if you’re happy right where you are.

Happy Trails,

d

PS — Not bringing a computer, either. (I find that moment in the security line where I’m juggling shoes and a laptop to be both silly and stressful). Don’t need the computer either. Using Google Apps, I can access all my files, e-mails, websites, etc from any computer. Freedom! Okay, now I really gotta get my ass in gear…