Packing a suitcase usually begins with the mistake of lugging around more than you originally wanted to. Or not being prepared enough and forgetting to grab your toothbrush.

Someone once told me the way you pack for vacation is how you live your life. What is important to you? What deserves to hold space in your backpack?

Next time you come to class try to leave a metaphorical backpack filled with your worries and responsibilities outside the room. By giving yourself the break, you’ll either gain strength to carry it or decide what is truly important to pack. It will still be there when you get out, I promise.

“We have taken our wants and been told they are needs, this is why so many of us end up with loads of stuff that doesn’t add value to our lives, the accumulation of which weighs us down and stresses us out” (Joseph Ferrari).