Billy Coffey
Billy Coffey

The things we carry

August 9, 2009  

I tend to be somewhat of a minimalist when it comes to most things in life. For the most part, less is always better. That holds true for everything from tears to possessions.

But when it comes to the contents of my pockets, that whole philosophy gets turned upside down.

I carry more Stuff than anyone I know, shoved into every pocket I happen to have. These are not mere possessions, but necessities to make my day run as smoothly as possible.

To be honest, I’d much rather go without having to lug around so much extra weight. And I’ve tried several times to leave at least one of them at home. But the results have always been the same–a lot of confusion mixed with a touch of anarchy.
All of which got me to thinking about what we really need to carry out the door with us every day. What’s not worth taking along every day? What can’t we do without?
The answers can be found at Katdish’s blog today, and I’ll invite you over there. If you’d like to add more to the list, please do so. And if you’d like to suggest a way for me to walk around a little lighter, please suggest that, too.
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Comments

  • Anne L.B.

    Actually, even with the advantage of a purse, I believe in both "be prepared" (which necessitates stuff like that pocketknife I learned to carry as a cop and never gave up), as well as "travel light" (so one can keep a light step and even be ready to dance).

    I think your pockets and what you're carrying in your heart both sound about right. Can't even give up too many memories of the past, cause (at least for me) it helps prevent duplicating mistakes.

    And as a woman, I'm jealous that men get all those pockets that mean not having to carry a purse.

  • Denise

    On my way there.

  • Blessed Mom of 8

    Billy – amen to what you carry that could never fit in your pockets!

    May we never get too big for our britches to stop carrying a huge dose of humility, love and understanding for others who are walking their own journey just like us! AMEN!

    Love and blessings,
    Jill

  • ~*Michelle*~

    Heading over now…..but wanted to say that once you can break off that state of feeling lost without certain items…..it's very "free-ing".

    When we went camping, like I told you…..no internet, terrible cell service, no cable….I had my most important "possessions" with me, family, and a walkie talkie with a two mile radius. I was complete. :)

    I know that doesn't apply to every day life, but the simplicity of it all was beautiful.

    Off to katdish's place….

  • sherri

    Read your post- and so related, but I also agree with Michelle- I can leave some of those things behind and don't feel lost anymore.

    The things of the heart though, go with me everywhere I go.

  • Jim H

    wow! just came here from katdish's place – the Cicero quote definitely spoke to me.
    I guess the best way to lighten your load is to come to grips with the notion that it's ALL in God's hands – so even if it's in our pocket, He's carrying our weight and then to make sure we're tossing the baggage of worry every chance we get. Thanks for starting my day off on the right note!

  • katdish

    If anyone could carry off a man sack, it would be a redneck writer from the mountains of Virginia.

  • Shanda

    I hear there are some cool looking "man bags" on the market these days! ;)

    I'm currently reading, "Traveling Light" by Max Lucado – awesome so far! Your post made me think of it.

  • Sara Tribble

    At least you do carry the stuff you need! My husband just takes his wallet, errr…annoying when I need to call him and he doesn't have his cell phone!

    Going to Kat's right now!

  • April

    Here I go…

  • Sarah Salter

    You could do like the miliary types around here do and carry one of those "camel-type" bags. But I promise you that having the extra space will just mean that you hang on to a bunch of stuff that you really DON'T need… Gum wrappers and junk mail and petrified Skittles, for example.

  • Heart2Heart

    Billy,

    I know the whole red neck thing you have but why do you carry a pocket knife. Even as I write this hubby is trying to argue the man point of my question, saying it's just something men carry.

    He doesn't however unless it's for work, and I guess I am afraid if he did, it may be used on him.

    I guess that is the supreme difference between a man and a woman.

    The only reason I believe that woman don't want men looking in their purse is all that personal stuff women are forced to carry that they wouldn't want anyone to see. Ask your wife is you are lost about what I am saying here.

    Other than that, it's just make up, wallet, cell phone, pens, pencils, keys, and some advil or Tylenol.

    All of us women I think would love to never carry a purse if we could stuff all that stuff in our pockets but it would look so darn funny on women because our pants fit tighter than a mans do.

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

    Love and Hugs ~ Kat

  • KM Wilsher

    Had to laugh out loud when you said "except when it comes to my pockets" :)

  • Liz

    Loved this…

  • Carol

    I am a person with too much stuff….I have to carry the mom stuff, the grandma stuff, the wife stuff, the art teacher stuff, the scrapbook stuff, the picture taking stuff….I don't know how to travel light. Going over to look for some insight now.