For two years of my life, most of my days were spent in an airplane.  Whether traveling for shows or meetings, it’s interesting how much I was able to learn about people and myself 30,000 ft. in the air.  The below is part 2 of a 4 part series entitled “Lessons Learned at 30,000ft.”

When I first started traveling for a living, I did my best to bring everything I could with me.  You know, the things that make you comfortable at home, as many of your favorite shoes, and all the gadgets you may need.  After a few times rushing around airports and waking up way to early to get to the ticket counter, I realized something about my packing.  I was traveling with too much stuff.  There was too many things that I had to keep track of and it was affecting how I spent my time.

Much like George Clooney’s character in “Up In The Air,” I had to get a system to my traveling.  I had to make it easy to get through security and try to avoid checking bags at all costs.  Through this entire process I learned something about myself.  I realized that I want a lot of things, but I don’t need or use most of them.  There are moments in your life where you truly realize what’s worth your time and energy in this life, and this was one of those moments for me.

For believers, there is a definite understanding that we weren’t made for this world.  Yet, why is it that we spend so much time acquiring and carrying things as if we were never going home? When I realized that all I needed to bring with me was what I “really” needed for my trips, my preparation and experience during those journeys were a little easier.  It doesn’t mean I didn’t get frustrated with the security lines or tight spaces, it just made those inevitable struggles more bearable.

What things are you gathering and carrying around with you in this life that are making you look like you’re never going home?  Here are some insights to help you travel lighter.

*Take It One Day At A Time – I packed lighter when I understood what each day was going to look like on my trip.  I took it one day at a time.  So many of us are living for that next season of life.  With that mentality we’ll try to accumulate all these things that we think we’ll need then.  Yet God’s word is clear that tomorrow is not promised, we’ve got to live the day that we’ve been given.  You’ll never believe the freedom that comes with understanding this truth.

*Bring What You Only Have Space For – I got to a point to where I had to tell myself that I was only bringing a carry on with me.  Now obviously, some trips demanded more days, which meant more stuff and bigger bags.  However, when I looked at my days one at a time, I realized that I realistically didn’t need that much stuff.  So many people I know are struggling with living in clutter.  Sure, they don’t realize it, but they always feel this feeling of being weighed down.  How about in your finances?  Are you truly purchasing things that you have space for, or going into debt because you think you need it?  Realistically look at what you’re traveling with in this life, and bring only what you have space for.

* Forget About What Others “Might” Think - While I was packing my clothes, I would think about who would see me during the trip.  Crazy I know, but this way of thinking would affect how many shoes or other articles of clothing I’d bring.  I wouldn’t want to re-wear an outfit or pair of shoes because of what others might think.  Just like in traveling, this way of living life can make your journey on this earth heavier.  Forget what others “might” think of you and embrace the freedom that comes with what God alone thinks of you.

* Look For Opportunities To Help - When I was able to pack less, I had less to worry about myself.  I then had the free hand to help the mom with 4 kids and two strollers.  We walk around life worrying about keeping all of our own stuff together and if we aren’t careful, we’ll miss the help that we can be to others in their situation.

* Have A System - Without organization and a place for everything, packing and traveling can become a mess quickly.  How many times during a day do you do things without a system?  How much time do you waste in your day because you can’t find things?  Organization in every area of your life brings freedom in the areas of your life that truly matter.  When I traveled, I found that without a system for packing (a schedule of when to wash and fold clothes, etc) I would spend the night before an early flight packing and gathering.  This affected my rest leading up to the trip and the amount of time I could spend with my wife.  Get organized and realize how much of life you’ve been missing.

How has traveling with too much stuff affected your journey in this life?  I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments section below.