I made my first trip out west when I was in my twenties.  I had finished my Masters at the University of New Brunswick and had accepted a position at the YMCA in Calgary, Alberta.  Back then, everything I owned fit into my bright red Camaro. This time, as I packed to move to British Columbia, it was apparent just how much things have changed.

This move is a long term contract and I was not going to take all of my belongings. I decided to take only what I could fit into my 5 door Honda with top box. This forced me to look hard at what to take, what to give away, and what to leave in storage.

Some items were non-negotiable: scuba gear, computer equipment, vitamins, and my two favourite teddy bears. Some decisions were naturally easy: business suits, heels and hose were not required at a wilderness lodge; casual attire and outdoor gear definitely was. It was all the other “stuff” that I agonized over. How many pictures of my family to pack and which ones? How many books, sea shells, mementos? Which pieces of jewellery? My favourite bubble bath? My blender? Where do I stop?

There were many items that would have been “nice to have”, but with limited space, this packing exercise confirmed what I value, what is important to me and reflected who I really am. I ended up packing my “Carol” essentials for right now.

And right now, I know what I want. I have made my best guess at what I need, and I know I can always send for anything I might have forgotten.

I am happy that I haven’t forgotten how to get excited about road trips. Sure this time the car is bigger, and my son is keeping me company, but the excitement is still there. I am jumping into a car and driving towards another adventure. The thought of this kind of freedom gets my adrenalin going. With the car all packed, I am ready for this new journey to begin.

I did leave just enough space to see out the back window. I figure it’s good to be safe. But it’s also important to see where I have been (come from) and what I have left behind.