"Pick what you will need only. It saves you from inconvenience and carrying many bags."
The word I held onto some years ago from someone who, after watching me struggle as I walked down to the main junction and then to the park. Simple, short word but carried a profound meaning to me, especially concerning how I always pack everything on my journey.
Was it the first time hearing that word? No!
Didn't I know I needed to go with just a few things I need? Of course, I do.
But it never did occur to me like that day. Maybe because I didn't know how to arrange and moreover, I was always thinking I would need some items, instead of getting to my destination and regretting not picking them. I'd rather be prepared than be stranded.
I always visited my aunt from school every week. That was the only way I could get some pocket money for myself, and so, I would travel to her place, help do some laundry, and on Sunday evening, when going back, she'd hand over some amount of money to me, which would take me through the week while preparing to visit again by the weekend.
This kept going, and for every visit, you'd think I would be spending months at her place with how I would pack my bags. It never occurred to me to pick up some lessons when my neighbours would tease me about my bags and how I only needed to go with a few, so it doesn't make me uncomfortable.
But I would ignore it, only to get to the bus stop struggling to carry them, and on some lucky days, I find cars that would pick me up for free to where I'd take a bike easily and take me home.
This went on for many years, and I always felt uneasy, like a heavy weight was placed on me. When I decided to finally take that advice, I blessed the day my eyes got opened to embrace the change, and what happened next was like being released from a chain that had held me tight for so long.
Travelling light started from there. And not only that, I noticed this about life, too. Having clarity on something would make the journey easier and give me rest than jumping on different things, which at the end of the day may deprive me of the rest and peace that I actually long for.
I was someone who'd compared myself, too, in the past with others who seemed to have everything working for them. Like a friend back then in the university, she had different skills she engaged in, leaving her no room for rest or creating time to relax. She would always complain every day because people kept coming for her service and there was no holiday.
At a point, it made me believe that when someone is a jack of all trades, it wouldn't allow any form of peace, especially if you are good at what you do. As individuals, we need time for ourselves, too, and people won't understand unless you create that boundary. We feel we want to be able to do everything, not knowing they can also deprive us of the rest we truly desire.
I chose peace over anything, and I wouldn't trade it for whatever I think is right to do, whereas it isn't, because we can't be found doing everything all at once. Being someone who has embraced a simple lifestyle with less stuff around, especially which has to do with my mental, emotional and physical well-being, I think it's something ideal for me.
This leads to clarity. This involves knowing what to do and focusing on it with a clear direction, rather than hopping on everything, trying to see which one works or is suitable for you. And for some, it takes a lot of time to finally understand what's perfect for you because at some point, you feel you need everything.
This then leads to a breakdown which affects our lifestyle. For me, I chose to focus on a particular thing that wouldn't take away my peace of mind while working on it to improve and in the end, I don't need to be called a jack of all trades just to fit in.
I learnt that, even if you have clarity on just one thing, work on it and you'd see your life change for good because pursuing peace and living your life in the best way is all that matters.
All images are mine
