"As I continue to aid others in a time of need while traveling through the uncertainties of life, I am unpacking my luggage as I go because I am no longer responsible for carrying a load that isn't mine." -Dr. Hart
I often view my ability to carry the load of others as the weight of an oversized carrying bag. When traveling, I cannot simply place this luggage in an overhead bin or under a seat. It's too heavy to be considered as checked luggage because it exceeds the weight capacity, therefore, I cannot store this oversized bag anywhere, not even for a moment to rest. So, I must carry this weight upon my shoulders everywhere I travel. See, this bag is compressed with sorrows, worries, stressors, and troubles of many people who have forced their personal belongings into my luggage. There are shirts, jeans, coats, shoes...stuffed into this bag. In my eyes, nothing else can fit, right? But, somehow someone squeezes a sock or two in between the seams and cracks of a zipper that is broken. It barely zips, but people refuse to acknowledge the wear and tear of this damaged bag.
Mentally, physically, emotionally...I'm tired from bearing such a load. I can't continue on at this pace, I'm becoming weak. To regain my strength, my sanity...I must unpack this luggage. As I unzip a bag of grief and sadness, I am removing each article of clothing and other items one by one. I suddenly realize that at the bottom of the bag, there was something that was actually mine. My pain, my worries and even my happiness was buried under the turmoil of other people. Oh nooo, this shit gotta gooo! Now, I can lift and carry a bag with only my personal belongings, it's lighter and easier to manage. As I continue to aid others in a time of need while traveling through the uncertainties of life, I am unpacking my luggage as I go because I am no longer responsible for carrying a load that isn't mine. So, here's your bag, I have my own.