Let me start out by saying I HATE PACKING...it may be the most annoying thing I ever do...EVER!
However, this time around I was determined to go into it with an open mind and possibly forget the bad times with this horrific task. So, we reintroduced ourselves...clean slate...Alright....suitcase...I'll be nice to you...I will do as my dad always told me and actually lay everything out before I try to cram things in...I will even check things off a real packing list once they are packed...and in return...I expect you to fit everything I need... perfectly.
Okay...so the inanimate object did not EXACTLY fit everything into it, but I do feel like it was definitely beneficial to pack a little less chaotically (German rubbing off maybe?) than I have in the past. Examples from the past include forgetting my meds, socks, skating costumes at competitions...the list could go on...
With the systematic approach, I simply had to reevaluate everything in the bag and figure out that something probably does not fit because it probably is not supposed to fit, rather than cramming everything to the point where nothing fits to begin with. (Okay, so I'm a late bloomer when it comes to learning the art of packing...I appreciate you bearing with my overindulgent description of my newfound relationship with the task.)
The truth is, this experience of packing has been quite therapeutic, and the fact that I was completely self-reliant really prepared me for leaving. For the first time, I can actually say I know where everything is that I have packed and that I truly feel prepared. Although, as with any trip, I'm also prepared to not be prepared. I am definitely excited to use my knack for flexibility and improvisation when the unexpected jumps at me. I would not be doing this if otherwise. I usually prefer to handle the unforeseen as it has always come naturally to me as opposed to handling what is right in front of my face. Yet, this potentially false feeling of preparedness still feels good: almost like I have accomplished something. I suppose I may just be figuring out how to balance handling what I can control and what I cannot. For me, it has always come more easily to deal with uncontrollable events rather than controllable. As well, it is usually easier for me to deal with chaos rather than organization. I currently strive to find balance and settle for some organized chaos or at least something comparable. Hopefully, I will further learn to find balance while abroad.
Anyways, this feeling of preparedness, I am well aware, will only get me so far...because I know that I am not really supposed to know what is in store for me. What I have said many times before to friends, family and even interviewers, is that what I do know is that I really don't know much, and that I have a lot to learn, so that is what I am prepared to do. I want to learn while I serve...which by the way combined is lerve...which switch the vowals and you get lurve...which I like to use as my sign off in letters to mean love...coincidence...absolutely not...corny as hell...ABSOLUTELY!
Until India...Much LURRRVE
