"Look what I had to overcome from my last life
I'll think I'll write a book
How long 'til my soul gets it right?"
~ Indigo Girls
American Airlines is now charging a fee for all checked baggage. What this will inevitably do, is increase the amount of carry-on baggage passengers begin dragging on the plane with them. It shouldn't be too long before airlines begin charging for carry on bags as well. I know that a lot of people are irritated with the changes in policy and feel like they are being nickel and dimed to death. The fact of the matter is – the airlines are doing what they should have been doing from the beginning – charging for the extra work/energy that is required when people have baggage.
I wish that I could do it. I would love to charge people for their baggage 'emotional or otherwise' when I have to deal with it. Can you imagine how much happier life would be if people were actually held accountable for the impact their baggage has on others? I'd wager that there would be a lot more soul-searching and a lot less, "but my mommy did not love me enough" excuses. Bloody Hell, people!
I am not saying that a bad childhood cannot influence who we become as adults. The thing is – for the love of Pete – there has to be a point where you stand up and take responsibility for your actions and reactions. Everyone had some trauma in their childhood. It is called 'life' and aspects of it could have seemed like Hell. Still, when is the time to stop blaming others for your issues? When do you get to start paying for your own baggage?
People need to carry around 'inventory lists' and hand them out when they meet new friends. That way, educated decisions can be made about beginning any sort of relationship (platonic or otherwise). At job interviews, prospective employees should submit a urine test AND an itemized emotional baggage inventory. That way it is obvious whether you are a meth addict or a codependent lunatic. I would hire the former over the latter.
I was asked the other day why I was writing a book about a serial killer. I tried to explain my reasoning; but I think it just came out as "because I am a crazy person". How does one explain that to exorcise the demons – it is necessary to give them a platform to tell their side? I need to give him a voice. Do I truly believe that a psychic serial killer has stalked me from the age of 12? Not in so many words. But, I also do not believe that his presence is just a figment of my imagination set to 'dream music'.
I have faith in past lives and the reincarnation of energy. I believe we will keep living in some form until we learn what we are supposed to learn. Maybe this is what is meant by "eternal life". That, I cannot fully comprehend with my simple human mind.
I have a lot of baggage to lose this time around. I am an over-packer – always have been. The difference between me and some people is that I acknowledge the baggage is mine. Yes, some of it was given to me by other people – but I have elected to hold onto it. Right now, I could walk away from it all. Start anew. I do not want to do so. I prefer to slowly go through it all and just leave pieces where I can.
Which reminds me; I need to get that shirt back.
Peace Out!
