Welcome to the Blooming Mindset, a weekly dose of clarity, mindset, and practical wisdom to help you stay consistent, think more deeply, and build a life aligned with your identity and purpose. I’m Ruth Rieckehoff, and I’m so glad you’re here. Please share this newsletter with a friend!
Beloved Architect of Identity,
You ever try to drag a suitcase that feels like you’re hauling a boulder up Mount Everest? That was me on my honeymoon.
I’m not exaggerating. Picture this: two weeks, three countries, one deep purple suitcase packed to the brim. Outfits for every day (plus extras, just in case). Three pairs of shoes. Toiletries for a small army.
And don’t forget the “essentials” backpack and a matching carry-on, because obviously, I needed room for souvenirs.
My husband? One small bag. That’s it.
I thought I was being prepared. Turns out, I was just making things really, really hard, for both of us.
Every time we changed hotels, I watched him wrestle my suitcases upstairs, jam them into tiny trunks, and somehow wedge them onto a boat. I mean, the bags barely survived. My husband’s back almost didn’t.
But hey, that’s what newlyweds do, right? Carry each other’s baggage, literally.
I figured, “This is just how I travel. Someone will help me carry the load.”
And then, months later, we’re reminiscing about the trip, laughing about all the mishaps. Out of nowhere, he drops this bomb:
“For our next trip, I’m not carrying your bags. Those things almost broke me. You’re on your own.”
Oof. Reality check.
At first, I was a little offended. Isn’t that what partners do? But then it hit me, he wasn’t being mean. He was being honest. And honestly? He was right.
So, next trip, I had to face the music. And the luggage. I downsized. I Marie Kondo’d my packing list. If it didn’t spark joy (or fit in a carry-on), it didn’t come. And you know what? I felt…free.
No more dragging dead weight. No more dreading stairs or tiny trunks. Just me, my bag, and the open road.
Funny thing is, for years, people told me, “Just pack less! You don’t need all that stuff!” And every time, I’d nod along, then cram in that extra pair of sandals, “just in case.”
I thought, “But what if I need it? What if I’m missing out?”
Spoiler alert: I never needed it. And all that stuff? It just slowed me down.
Ever notice how we do this in life, too? We hold onto old habits, beliefs, and responsibilities, hoping someone else will carry the load. We make things heavier than they need to be, then wonder why we’re exhausted.
So here’s the big shift:
Travel light. Not just on vacation, but in life.
Let go of what’s weighing you down, expectations, old stories, extra “stuff” that doesn’t serve you anymore. Take responsibility for your own baggage. And if it’s too heavy? Time to lighten the load.
Because when you do, everything gets easier. You move faster. You feel lighter. And suddenly, you’ve got space for what really matters.
So, next time you’re packing for a trip, or just packing for your next big leap, ask yourself:
What can I let go of? What’s really essential? And am I expecting someone else to haul around my baggage?
Trust me, your future self (and your travel buddy) will thank you.
Here’s to traveling light: on the road and in life.
Let’s drop the dead weight and make room for the good stuff.
Until next week!
Keep blooming,
Ruth
Reflect
- What “baggage” am I expecting others to carry for me, at work, at home, in my relationships?
- Where am I making life harder by refusing to let go of things that no longer serve me?
Reframe
Old belief: “If I have everything, I’ll be prepared for anything, and someone will help me carry it.”
New belief: “Carrying less means I’m free to move, adapt, and grow. I’m responsible for my own load and that’s liberating.”
Actionable Transformation
- Audit your “baggage,” physical, emotional, or mental. What are you carrying that’s weighing you down? Make a list.
- Choose one thing to let go of this week. It could be a task, a grudge, a commitment, or even a physical item.
- Before asking for help, ask yourself: “Is this a weight I truly need to carry? Or can I lighten my load first?”
P.S. If you’re ready to travel lighter in life and mindset, follow me on X for daily stories, insights, and frameworks to help you unlock your next transformation. Let’s lighten the load together
Leave a Reply