IF I HAD TO FLEE, WHAT WOULD I CARRY?

If I had to leave everything, my home, my life, and my friends tomorrow in a hurry, if all I had time to do was grab an empty carry-on luggage, what would I fill it with?

I thought long and hard about it and with the help of an article, I read years ago by Brett and Kate Mckay on “What They Left and What They Kept: What an Antarctic Expedition Can Teach You About What’s Truly Valuable”, I was able to take inventory of my own life and arrived at the things that I would keep, not just literally, but as broader symbols of what matters most in life to me.

THE CONTENTS OF MY LIFE

Clothes

Limited pieces of clothes that really get the job done and will work in a variety of situations. I would also pack 3 pairs of socks and inner-wear to keep me feeling fresh and comfortable.

As a symbol for our own lives: This one translates literally into owning only a few things that we need, use and enjoy rather than having a huge wardrobe or a basement full of junk.

Sneakers

Ultimately, my own two feet are what is going to carry me through my journey so I need them to be in good shape. And a pair of sneakers or comfortable footwear those are lightweight and provide ample protection is vital to go the distance that I need to.

As a symbol for our own lives: In essence, peeling back the influence of media and popular culture in order to find your own true self. Do what truly works for you, regardless of what looks good to others or fashionable.

Toothbrush

Keeping our chompers in good condition is endorsed even by Arctic explorers! A cut, a bruise or ache is manageable but a toothache renders its victim helpless and weak.

As a symbol for our own lives: There are many things in life that require mundane daily maintenance to keep on top of, and while consistency in these small, regular efforts may not be fun, they ultimately prevent the creation of huge problems and pain down the line.

My Krishna pendant

I am not a deeply religious person, more spiritual. But this token offers me strength and comfort in trying circumstances, while also reminding me of my roots. It offers me strength and hope when I face challenges or struggles.

As a symbol for our own lives: Faith, spirituality and philosophy offer meaning and purpose beyond ourselves and help us continue on when we face challenges and struggles. Our beliefs provide direction as to the big questions of who we are, why we are here and where we are going, and moral reminders are key in helping us remember those answers.

Gadget with digital memories aka mobile phone

If I ever find myself completely isolated from loved ones and faced with traversing an alien terrain, these photographs/videos will keep me connected to home and remind me that there is something worth finding my way back for.

As a symbol for our own lives: Our relationships are truly the most valuable things in our lives. Connections with friends, family and pets have been proven by science to be the biggest contributor to happiness. At the end of our lives, it’s the relationships that people look on most fondly and regret not investing more time into. Our loved ones not only bring us joy and add a beautiful depth and richness to our lives, but also give us something to live for.

Essential Medicines, Band Aid and Tampon

I am not a great proponent of pills as I find home remedies more effective and safe. But I always carry an antacid, as I am prone to headaches due to acidity. The other two are self-explanatory.

As a symbol for our own lives: Is there anything more valuable than our health? Good health must form the foundation of our lives, as achieving all our other aims becomes much harder, and sometimes impossible, is we are obese, sick or quite dead.

Music (digital format now)

Its vital mental medicine.

As a symbol for our own lives: We need hobbies in our lives that brighten the way and bring us joy and fulfillment. Music, Gardening, Cooking, Painting etc. work at various levels. It can elevate our mood, inspire us, stir our soul or make us dance. All these help chase away sadness.

Notes (on my phone)

Carrying detailed account of stories of courage, transformation and survival prove helpful in two ways. First, it provides an immense source of love and appreciation for my own abilities and second it serves as memories for posterity long after I am gone.

As a symbol for our own lives: In a literal way, keeping a journal or diary offers numerous benefits. In a symbolic way, understanding our personal histories is essential to making progress in our lives. What experiences made us who we are today? What dreams and ideals from our youth do we want to carry into our adulthood and old age? What mistakes did we make in the past that we don’t want to repeat?

Hand-written letters and cards

In this age of technological advancement and everything electronic the personal touch is becoming invisible. There is a sort of permanence to something scribbled on paper. It immediately transports me into that time and moment when the writer wrote it-that is magical and nothing can replace that.

As a symbol for our own lives: You can’t stop or go back in time but you can cherish moments of the past. In the humdrum of life, it is important to pause, smell the flowers, take in the beauty of your surroundings and feel utterly blessed.

A candy bar & chewing gum

Usually, travel makes me hungry and it’s comforting to know that I have something to munch on. As for the gum, it has significant health benefits as it keeps the throat hydrated and bad breath away.

As a symbol for our own lives: No matter how hard or meticulously we plan, sometimes things don’t go to plan. Your flight may be running late, or you end up with a flat-tire. You have to improvise, change or make do with what you have. You may feel stuck or exasperated or angry and in that moment keeping your energy levels up and your body hydrated will help you get your mojo back.

So, what if you were faced with a similar situation, which personal possessions would you take and what does the nature of your selections reveal about what you truly value in your life? On a deeper level, what attitudes and behaviors are you carrying with you that are actually weighing down your progress? What negative habits have become burdens? Once you answer such questions you will know if you are putting your time and money where your mouth is and stop wasting them on things that, if push came to shove, you would ultimately leave behind.

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