Might be able to impart wisdom without the mess of backpacking days on end; or maybe the lessons have to be hard-earned?
That said, these are the 3 main lessons I got:
- Everything needs a place. I need to picture that place before I even buy the thing, while at the store. When you are trying to fit everything into one backpack, you practice this a lot.
- Occasional I go look through all my belongings and toss. I did this a lot when I felt my backpack got too heavy or big. Do this enough times and getting rid of a belonging becomes emotionally normalized and easy.
- This may all seem like a lot of work but only at first. Why? Because it creates a mental feedback loop that discourages hoarding. You remember what kind of items you throw away so you stop even collecting them. For example, I use to keep all USB cables but I would always throw them out during these “spring cleanings” so now I throw them when I first get them.
So I encourage trying it yourself because things like having a feedback loop or being okay with discarding junk doesn’t come from just reading about it. Similar to being okay with being rejected when dating, you have to do it enough times so it becomes comfortable.
Best advice:
Travel light
But still, mind where you are going. If it is the mountains, you still want to bring warm clothes and they just are heavy.
I am right now preparing for the mountains and think of whether to take a tent or not (the huts for sleeping are mostly closed already)
The heavier the backpack, the less fun is walking with it.
And that works also as a metaphor for everyday life. The less shit you take with you, pulling you down, the easier it is to make progress.
