Packing and Unpacking our Thoughts

Removing Negative Thinking 

By Lisa Purk 
 
I like to travel.  Sometimes it’s going to places I’ve been before and rediscovering the things I enjoyed the first time.  And I like the familiarity of it.  Other times, it’s the adventure of going somewhere I’ve never been and discovering new places and things to do.  Either way, there are two things I must do:  pack, and unpack.   
 
I don’t enjoy either of these activities all that much.  Making several days’ worth of “What do I want to wear” decisions taxes me.  And I am an over-packer.  Every time.  But at least when I’m packing, I’m looking forward to time away.  Unpacking is easier because there’s no decisions to make. But I’m home, my vacation is over, and everyday routine is looming.  And there’s all these pieces of stuff that need to be put away.  I admit it can take me days. 
 
As I am continually on the look out for how everyday experiences teach us something about life, so it is with packing and unpacking.  It speaks to me of thoughts. 
 
Life is often compared to a journey and our thoughts are something we must take along with us.  It’s non-negotiable.  And just like choosing what to take on my trips, we get to choose what thoughts we take on our journey around life. 
 
If I take my favorite summer dress on a trip where I’ll be biking and hiking, well that doesn’t serve me very well.  It makes much more sense for me to pack my favorite hiking boots, cargo pants and options for variations in weather that provide what’s needed to fully enjoy my vacation or weekend escape. 
 
It’s the same with our thoughts.  When you habitually carry thoughts of not being “enough” in some way, e.g., smart enough, young enough, or disciplined enough, you are not serving yourself well.  Other defeating thought patterns that might ring through your mind are, “It’s not meant for me;” “If only I had the time (money; support….);” or “I don’t have the right education.”  The variation of negative thoughts is vast.  All of them will hold you back from pursuing your most fulfilling life whether it’s a new adventure, education, opening a business, or writing a book. 
 
Alternatively, when you cultivate a habit of believing you already have – or are intelligent enough to gain – the skills, talents and resources you need, then you’ll pursue that which offers you the most satisfying life.  It takes being intentional and it doesn’t happen overnight.  If you want to pack a more positive thought habit, you can begin with what you’re infusing into your mind through what you read and watch and the company you keep. 
 
Travel involves packing and unpacking that which will serve you well for your trip.  When you view your life this same way, you’ll be intentional in unpacking what isn’t working.  You’ll pack in what does. 
 
Even if you over pack, you’ll be sure to have what you need for your journey. 

Lisa Purk is the Owner of Inner Fire Coaching.  She coaches women who want to develop the confidence to align their lives with their authentic self and pursue their creative passions. 
 
You can find out more about Lisa through her blog, Your Morning Purk, on Facebook and on Linked In.