Hey! You’re back after my last post! And for this I’m so grateful.
Today I started packing and although most people complaint about it, I find it quite relaxing. Being able to fit everything I need in one backpack reminds me that most things in life are extra. I appreciate them, and they help me live a happy life but I don’t need them to be happy. In fact, the happiest I am is normally when I’m on a trip, and I have very few of those belongings with me. I’m saying this, I love the comfort and peace my flat makes me feel, but it’s a good reminder that my things don’t own me.
I have always struggled with having too many things so a few years ago I tried to apply the “less is more” belief when I wanted to purchase clothes and things. I think my struggles come mostly from the fear of losing everything I own, as well as being unable to sustain a lifestyle where stuff and appearance define who you are. I’m well aware there’s a lot of overthinking here but I guess at least there’s awareness of this too? Lol.
While packing I was listening to a podcast, and sometimes life throws at you exactly what you need. Today this was episode 25 of Steven Bartlett’s podcast “The Diary of a CEO”. Disclaimer: I absolutely loooove Steven Bartlett so I am very biased but I don’t care.
The episode touched points like how we are the generations that has made everything so efficient so we have more time to take on more work; all our focus is on “climbing the ladder”; he talked about the “I want your life” syndrome induced by social media; and more but you should probably listen to the podcast at this point.
The episode resonated with me because this is the first time I’ve found myself without a job in my adult life, and it’s not been easy at all. I’ve realised I pretty much identify myself with what I do and the type of job I have, which is fine, as long as I remember that I am a lot more than my job. The past few weeks I’ve been trying to remind myself of this.
Another big part of the podcast was dedicated to the brand image that we have created of ourselves, online and in the real world, and the “I want your life” syndrome. The brand image is such a limiting concept that stops us from being or become who we want to be and I see so many friends around me stuck in this, whether they are aware of it or not.
The “I want your life” syndrome is something I have experienced myself multiple times when scrolling on Instagram. Everything always looks better behind all those filters and everyone always seems to be living a better life than mine. However, I have recently experienced this syndrome in reverse. I have just come back from a holiday in Sicily to visit family and now I’m on the road again, so naturally some people told me that I’m never at work or how much they wish they could do this too. And guess what - they’re right. I’m never at work because right now I don’t have a job! So even if it looks like I’m having the best time, I’ve gone through a very stressful few months but I didn’t post about it. I shared pictures of the Mediterranean Sea but I didn’t post a big sign saying “Hey friends, I’ve been made redundant! Yaaaay”. And I guess most people are like that, because there’s a life behind the social media cool-profile-brand-image-influencer and keep adding.
I feel like this post was going to be about packing but it’s now about how much I love Steven Bartlett and his podcast.
To go back to packing, going on a trip reminds me how little I need to be happy, away from clutter, stuff, and status. Going on a solo trip, helps me to reconnect with myself and find peace away from expectations and responsibilities.
Does your mind do this whirling too? Most importantly, do you also love Steven Bartlett? Let me know in the comments!
Lots of love from Edinburgh (one more day).
Donatella