Traveling Light
Pack like a Minimalis(a): Why packing cubes are not for me!
TL;DR: Traveling as a minimalist with just a carry-on bag has so many pros, including flexibility, efficiency, and stress-free travel. Rolling clothes instead of folding them is a minimalist's secret weapon (or, at least mine!), allowing you to maximize space, maintain organization, and minimize wrinkles. By embracing these practices, you will experience a new level of freedom and convenience on your adventures that are bar-none!
The Advantages of Minimalism:
Freedom and Flexibility: Traveling with only a carry-on bag allows you to move swiftly through airports, avoid baggage fees, and skip the hassle of waiting at the luggage carousel. It gives you the freedom to explore your destination without being weighed down by all excess (probably, unneeded) stuff!
Efficient Packing: Minimalism forces you to be intentional about what you truly need, and bring with you. Not only does it make packing easier, it removes the tendency to overpack. This not only saves time but also reduces stress when navigating through different modes of transportation.
Stress-Free Travel: Carrying fewer possessions means fewer worries about lost or stolen luggage. With a carry-on, everything you need is right by your side, allowing you to focus on the adventure ahead instead of fretting about your belongings - and this is facts!
Highlands in Scotland
Focus on the road ahead and not all your stuff!
The Art of Rolling Clothes:
Maximizing Space: Rolling your clothes is a game-changer when it comes to optimizing luggage space. By tightly rolling each garment, you can fit more items into your bag than you would with just folding them. This technique also prevents creases and wrinkles, saving you from the need to iron or steam your clothes upon arrival. Seriously!
Easy Access and Organization: Rolled clothes can be neatly arranged in rows or columns, making it easier to see and pick what you need more easily without rummaging through your entire bag. This organization method also prevents your clothes from becoming a jumbled mess during transit.
Utilizing Empty Spaces: Rolled clothes can be strategically placed in gaps and corners within your bag, making use of every inch of available space efficiently. This allows you to bring along more essentials or even leaves room for souvenirs acquired during your trip.
*Pro-tip: I tried the packing cubes and honestly, not a huge fan. It makes clothes less accessible and I’m still folding my clothes to fit into my bag. It doesn’t make a difference for me.
I took a poll!
Most voters agree - rolling is the way to go!
Simplifying Grief
TL;DR: My father died on August 2023. That was the final goodbye but not the only one. I’m learning to create rituals to honor his memory and to keep us connected.
In August 2023, I bid a final farewell to my father. His passing marked the end of a long and heart-wrenching journey, one that had me mourning his loss for 2+ years prior to his physical departure. In those two years, I saw him slip away, bit by bit, as multiple health complications took their toll. When COVID-19 struck, he could no longer fight, and the unimaginable decision to prioritize his comfort was made.
Losing a parent, especially at my age, is a reality I never anticipated. The permanence of this loss is profound; there's no replacing the role and love my father provided. We weren't just connected biologically; we were bound by the life we wove together, rich with memories and shared experiences. His love for us transcended boundaries and oceans. He made sacrifices, some that I may not even be aware of, to give us the life he felt we deserved.
Losing my dad has been a lonely experience. None of my close friends have treaded this path, making it feel like I'm navigating through these choppy waters of grief alone.
Here’s what I’ve learned through my grieving process:
Embrace Uniqueness
It's crucial to understand that everyone's experience of grief is as unique as their relationship with the departed loved one. No two journeys are the same, no matter how similar the circumstances may seem. The love we shared, the moments we cherished, the intricacies of our connection—all of these factors shape the way we grieve.
Build a Support Network
In the absence of a close-knit community who've experienced a similar loss, I have found solace in reaching out to friends and acquaintances who may not have walked this path themselves but are empathetic listeners. Their presence, even if they can’t fully understand my pain, provides a semblance of comfort.
Seek Professional Help
Before my dad’s physical departure, I turned to a grief counselor to support me through the process of mourning that I was already experiencing. I found a counselor who understood the intricacies and dynamic of my cultural background that brings with it a higher sense of responsibility for the care of our aging parents. Her guidance and expertise in navigating the tumultuous emotions associated with loss has been invaluable. It's okay to seek professional guidance; it doesn't diminish the love or memories you shared!
Create Personal Rituals
I find solace in creating personal rituals that honor my father's memory. Lighting a candle, visiting places we happened to have visited together, or simply talking to him in moments of solitude, has become my way of staying connected.
Embrace the Rollercoaster
Grief is not linear; it's a rollercoaster of emotions. Some days will be unbearable, while others may offer moments of respite. Embracing these fluctuations and allowing myself to feel whatever I am feeling at any given moment has been liberating.
My dad & me.
“Grief is the price we pay for love.”