The Sacred Unpacking of the Bag of Life

In the wild, untamed journey of life, each of us carries a unique bag.

This bag is not just any bag—this bag is a reflection of the journey of our soul, filled with the experiences, memories and lessons that shape who we are. We all pack it in our own unique way, some of us with fleeting moments, while some of us hold onto every single memory like a precious gem, unwilling to let go.

This bag is not a burden but a blueprint to the life we have lived, the paths we have walked and the battles we have fought. It holds our joys, our sorrows, our loves, our fears our triumphs and our defeats. Each item within this bag tells a story—a chapter in the book of our existence.

Some stories are light and sweet, like a breeze on a warm day, gently rustling the leaves as they share their wisdom. Other stories are a little heavier and bitter, like the weight of an unresolved hurt or a dream left unfulfilled. Each item, regardless of its weight or size or feel, contributes to the intricate tapestry of our lives, adding depth, colour and meaning.

In the infinite wisdom of life we are called to revisit this bag time and again—not just to understand what we carry, but why we carry it. We often move through life on autopilot, unaware of the emotional baggage we accumulate along the way. 

We pick up pieces of our past—old wounds, unspoken words, unmet expectations—and tuck them away, thinking that by hiding them, we can forget them. But the truth is, these hidden items weigh us down, cunningly influencing our decisions, our relationships and our sense of self.

This is why life, with its gentle yet persistent nudges, invites us to pause and take stocktake of all that is inside our bag. This is a sacred invitation to sit down with an open heart and a curious mind, to take a deep dive into the mess and the beauty within. This process isn’t always easy, but it is necessary. It is about honouring the weight of our experiences while discerning what truly serves us as we move forward.

This journey requires courage—the courage to face our past, to confront our fears and to acknowledge the parts of ourselves that have been ignored. It is about choosing to sit with discomfort, allowing ourselves to feel the emotions we may have buried and embracing the full spectrum of our humanity.

Giving ourselves permission to grieve the losses, to celebrate the triumphs, to love ourselves a little deeper and to acknowledge all the lessons learned & the wisdom gained along the way.

Growing up—growing wild and free—is about learning to choose and allow this unpacking. It is about creating space, not just in our bags, but in our hearts and minds as well. It is about sitting on the floor of our life with all our things spread out around us, looking each piece in the eye, and deciding with intention what to take on our next adventure and what to lovingly leave behind.

In this act of unpacking, we become the conscious curators (creators) of our lives. We decide what to keep and what to let go of. You decide what to keep and what to let go of, and I decide what to keep and what to let go of from a place of love and clarity, rather than a place of fear or obligation.

You may choose to keep the memories that bring you joy, the lessons that have shaped you, and the dreams that still ignite your soul. At the same time, you may also decide to release the pain, the regrets and the beliefs that no longer serve you or are.

This sacred act of unpacking is not about dismissing the past or undermining its value. It is about recognising that some things are meant to stay in our hearts and heads, while others are meant to be set free. It is about finding the courage to let go of all that no longer serves us, so that we can make room for all that we deserve and desire. 

In this wild process, we find our true selves, lighter, more aligned and ready to continue our journey with grace, courage and a bag that holds all that will fuel our dreams, no matter how wild or outrageous they are.

The beauty of this process is that it allows us to redefine our relationship with the past. Instead of seeing your baggage as a burden, you can begin to see it as a source of wisdom and strength. The things we choose to keep are the things that empower us, that remind us of who we are and what we are capable of. They become the fuel that drives us forward, propelling us toward the life we desire.

As we sit with the contents of our bag, we are faced with a choice: What will I carry forward? What items are worth holding onto and what can I release with love and gratitude? This choice is an absolute act of self-love, a declaration of commitment to living a life that is true to who we are and who we are becoming.

Letting go is not an easy task. It requires trust—a deep trust in ourselves, in the process, and in the unknown future that lies ahead. It’s about believing that by releasing what no longer serves us, we are making space for something greater. It’s about understanding that our worth is not determined by the weight of our baggage, but by our ability to navigate life with courage, grace, flow and an open heart.

As you embark on this journey of unpacking and letting go, remember that you are not alone. We are all walking this path together, each of us with our own unique bag, each of us making choices about what to keep and what to release. In sharing our stories, in opening our hearts to one another, we find the support, the encouragement and the inspiration we need to continue moving forward.

What items am I ready to let go of, and what treasures will I carry forward on my journey? This is a question only you can answer. Know that in the asking, you are already on your way to living a life that is wild, free and unapologetically your own.

As you move through this sacred process, remember to breathe deeply, trust in the flow of life, and allow yourself the grace to grow. Whether you are holding onto a cherished memory or letting go of a painful past, know that you are making space for the wild, beautiful and abundant future that awaits you. 

With each step, you are shedding what no longer serves you and making room for the wild potential that lies within.

To the wild, wonderful, whimsical journey ahead.