Embracing a New Life: The Journey of Leaving Behind Physical Baggage

Have you ever started over somewhere new and left everything behind? Well, not exactly. But the end result was similar for me. All my belongings were stored in an enormous unit in Texas, while I snagged a contract in Australia. Arriving with almost nothing but the clothes on my back and a small box of stuff to follow me, this decision marked the beginning of a new chapter.

As the years passed, I continued to pay storage fees. Eventually, the prospect of ever returning to Texas diminished, and I made the difficult decision to call Goodwill and have them clear out my storage unit. While I did manage to save a box of cherished possessions, the act of freeing myself from my physical belongings was liberating. I realized that stuff had been bossing me around, instead of the other way around.

Interestingly, I learned that at least 50% of items once stored never see the light of day again. People get attached, and when they finally pass away, their heirs end up with a burden of unwanted possessions.

My Experience

Despite not having the chance to sell all my belongings, I did manage to say goodbye to unnecessary items. What stayed with me were the items I couldn't part with, which I shipped in thirty-two boxes. I also moved two car loads of items to my new place. Three boxes of items that were both unwanted and unneeded ended up in the bin. And just like that, everything went smoothly. Now, I am so much happier with my new start.

Remember, one of the greatest feelings in the world is starting over after 15 years. My new life began when a 15-year-old girl learned the meaning of no, plus 15 years can bring you to 20.

A Story of Wanderlust

I remember a whimsical and carefree niece who grew up in the Midwest. She was full of wanderlust and decided one day to relocate to a new place. Without a specific destination in mind, she closed her eyes, swirled her finger in the air, and landed on Portland, Maine. This became her new home, where she promptly grew to love it.

Over time, she grew bored and moved again, this time to Portland, Oregon. She enjoyed her stay there as well. Eventually, she lost her wanderlust and moved back to her hometown. While some might not see this story as relevant, it always brings a smile to my face.

Through these stories and experiences, I learned that sometimes beginning fresh without our old belongings can lead to a newfound sense of happiness and freedom. Embracing a new life means letting go of what no longer serves you, and that can be both challenging and incredibly freeing.

By leaving behind physical baggage, we can truly start anew and embrace the uncertainties and opportunities that come with a fresh start. It's a journey of self-discovery and liberation, making the most of each new chapter in life.

Keywords: leaving behind stuff, new beginnings, storage units