I’m High Maintenance. So It’s a Good Thing I Can Take Care of Myself

I was packing my things for an overnight trip with one of my treasured companions.  Our plans were somewhat flexible, and I realized I needed to be ready for a few different outcomes.  I was also keenly aware that I didn’t want my companion to know how much planning and preparing I was doing in advance. 
Later that evening, as I was reflecting on the day, I had the conscious thought “I really am a high maintenance individual.”  And realized that heuristic was born of the feedback from partners of my past.  One of them even made jokes about bringing a box truck on our weekend trips.  In my mind I suppose it became somewhat of an identity, but not one I was willing to embrace.

That night something changed. I realized that as an empowered, independent woman I can take care of myself, better than anyone else has taken care of me since I was the first born child of a mother born to be a mom.  (My mother’s adoration of her children is something I think of often.)  

I am so proud of who I’m becoming.  And I have no intention of lowering my standards.  I can pack, load and carry my things.  I settle into temporary spaces in a way that makes them feel like home.  I have learned to take care of my mind and body when I travel, almost as well as I do at home.  

Here’s to carrying my own suitcase and my own confidence, both elegantly overpacked.