THE BACKPACK THEORY
The backpack theory, also known as the rucksack theory, is based on the idea that we all carry with us a pack full of our experiences and expectations, and these influence the way we think, feel and act. This backpack has a different feel and weight for each of us, and we get to choose whether to discard some of the contents, add to them, or exchange them for a more comfortable load.
I think Midlife is the perfect time to rummage through our packs and see if we're carrying unnecessary items and to adjust the contents.
I found some interesting questions in a post about this topic and, rather than writing about myself and my own backpack, I thought I'd share the questions and leave you to ponder what's in your own backpack and whether it needs adjustment....
WHAT'S IN THE AVERAGE MIDLIFE BACKPACK?
- Past experiences – memories, thoughts, images, ruminating about the past.
- Current concerns – life circumstances, worries.
- Anxiety about what might happen and your ability to cope.
- Your core beliefs about yourself, others and the world.
CHANGING YOUR BACKPACK OR ITS CONTENTS
- What would your new backpack look like?
- What would be most helpful for you to carry with you?
- How would you start lightening your backpack?
- What would need to happen before you could lighten the load?
- If you took your backpack off, what would you notice?
DISCARDING YOUR BACKPACK
- Can you imagine discarding your backpack completely and not needing it any more?
- How would things be different if you didn’t have your backpack?
- What thoughts would go through your mind at that time?
- What would it look like? What would you do differently?
DOING IT DIFFERENTLY
- What do I need to stop doing?
- What do I need to do less of?
- What do I need to start doing?
- What do I need to do more of?
WHAT ABOUT ME?
To answer a few of those questions, I think my backpack is lighter than it used to be. I feel like I carry less worry, less stress, and less commitments with me than I did when I was younger. As I've discarded some of the contents, I feel like I've replaced my utilitarian, bulky backpack with a lighter, brighter, more personal one. I don't see myself ever being without baggage, but I like that the load is simpler, lighter, and more personal than it used to be.
What about you and your backpack? I'd love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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Hi Leanne, I still carry a few skeletons in my backpack that I'd love to offload - feelings of inadequacy, regret, and fear of rejection, to name a few. Those have gotten much lighter with age, but I still carry them. I also carry curiosity, positivity, and energy, which serve me well and keep my head above water. Life without a backpack - nice concept.
ReplyDeleteHi Suzanne - I carry a lot of those skeletons too - but I think they're getting a little smaller and lighter as time goes on. I also feel like I carry more optimism and gratitude these days - and that makes me really happy.
DeleteHi Leanne. This is such a good one, and really has me taking a look inside. I'm letting go of other people's opinions, and really valuing my own. I'm letting go of all the negativity, from my past, and just focusing on leading a full life. I have no regrets, even about the painful things that I had to go through. I truly believe that the painful aspects of life are what make us stronger, and help us get to where we're supposed to be. ♥️
ReplyDeleteHi Christina - I think letting go of negativity and regrets lightens our load immensely and leaves room for the things that bring joy - and they weigh a lot less! I'm also trying hard not to put things back into my pack that I've previously taken out - I remind myself that they're not mine to carry anymore. :) x
DeleteAn interesting analogy, Leanne. Our family plays a game where we place things in our rucksack, and it turns into a memory game. Of course, this is different. Definitely, unnecessary items in my rucksack, often in retrospect. The phrase that stands out for me ‘…a different feel and weight for each of us …’ What is still worth holding onto to … gave me goosebumps. The permission to let go and leave things behind. I know your post will stay with me for awhile as I mull on these gems. Another great post, Leanne! 💕 Erica
ReplyDeleteHi Erica - I like that a backpack can hold good things for us to carry with us - and that it's not all about the baggage we cart around. I've become very conscious of the weight I used to put on myself because of my personality type and my need for safety and security. I've been having lots of conversations with Ross about this as we discuss buying a new car - I go for practicality while his default is enjoyment - it's a balancing act and sometimes I just need to let go of the weight of being the killjoy and go with a lighter approach - still a work in progress!
DeleteI need to print out both of these text images and put them on the back of my apartment door so I see and read them every time I go out! Thank you for encouraging a lightening of the load!
ReplyDeleteHi Allison - I'm so glad you enjoyed them. There's a third one I came across the other day that I pinned - you'd probably really like it too: https://au.pinterest.com/pin/360147301473779079/
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