When traveling, we often find ourselves in the baggage claim section of the airport to retrieve our luggage filled with our many belongings that we just couldn’t or wouldn’t manage to fit in our carry-on items. With a little more time and planning, we could have probably packed everything we need into a manageable size and shape to carry directly onto the plane. Once we get to our destination, we often realize that we didn’t need all the stuff we brought anyway.

The same can be said of the way we choose to lead our lives. Instead of sticking to the essential ingredients of this journey, we often assume baggage that isn’t necessary or just too big to carry.  We weigh ourselves down with extra “stuff” left behind from past relationships, bad choices, poor performance, missed opportunities and unhealthy family norms and expectations. These things are not only heavy to bear but they stretch us out of shape. They extend us beyond our capacity.

As the year of 2014 hurriedly comes to a close, I’m preparing for 2015 and dutifully committed to bypassing baggage claim as I head to my next destination. I’m not taking anything with me into the new year that I don’t need or want. It’s time to leave the mistakes, the hurt, the sorrow, the pain, the fear, the worry and anxiety of everything I could have done or should have done differently.

The next season of my life is filled with unlimited possibilities and opportunities; innovation awaits me. Upon arrival, I refuse to be inconvenienced waiting on things and people that I more than likely won’t need or desire at the next stop on my journey. I have already paid my fare for the trip and I’m not paying anything extra. Traveling is tough enough. We are sometimes faced with unexpected delays, layovers, overbooking and long waits. These are things we can’t control. Carry-on items, however, must be kept in your possession at all times. They are yours alone to manage.

There are just five weeks left to pack for the next trip. Take the time to choose your items wisely. Pack only the things you need and only the things you will use. Make your bags light enough to carry comfortably and fit in the space given to you. Don’t mishandle this chance to bypass baggage claim on the way to your next destination.