Emotional Baggage Claim

RHYTHM: The Universe’s Carry-On Baggage Fee

Nov 26, 2024

Holidays can feel like the ultimate emotional juggling act.

Travel plans collide with life’s to-do list, and the constant back-and-forth of “Should I stay or should I go?” can feel paralyzing.

For someone wrestling with the chaos of the season, it’s easy to feel stuck in a loop of dread and indecision. This experience—the overwhelm, the overthinking, the weight of trying to control every detail—is an invitation to lean into Rhythm.

Rhythm is about finding flow amidst life’s turbulence.

It’s a reminder that sometimes, when life feels out of sync, the key isn’t to push harder but to let go, trust, and find your internal beat.

Flight Cancelled, Plans Upgraded

We’ve all been there: the last-minute packing frenzy, the rising panic as time slips away, and the frantic attempt to shove life into a carry-on. But what if missing a flight—or nearly missing one—isn’t a disaster but a cosmic nudge to realign?

Recently, I almost missed a flight. At 3 AM, I was wide awake but utterly frozen. My mind was racing with all the things I hadn’t done, and instead of moving, I was spiraling.

Overthinking? Check.

Ruminating? Check.

Feeling stuck? Triple check.

So, I decided to say, ‘Forget it. If I’m not meant to be on this flight, there’s got to be a reason.’ Minutes later, I checked my phone and saw a text that completely changed my flight plans.

Just like that, I suddenly had more time. I let out a big, ‘I KNEW it,’ curled up, and had the best sleep of my life.

It’s funny how the life works its magic when you finally let go.

But that text wasn’t just a scheduling change—it was a wake-up call. It forced me to confront how much weight I’d been carrying, trying to figure out every little detail. I hadn’t even stopped to understand why I felt so overwhelmed about this flight.

In that moment, I realized it was a reminder to loosen my grip, let life flow, and tune into a different rhythm

Holiday Dread and Wrestling with Control

The holidays can feel like an endless cycle of trying to control everything:

The perfect travel plans.
The guilt over staying or going.
The nagging feeling that you’re behind on everything else in life.

Control might feel like the only way to stay afloat, but it’s exhausting. It’s like carrying an overstuffed suitcase everywhere you go—one that’s not just heavy but expensive, too.

The universe has a funny way of charging you for that extra baggage (real sticklers, I swear)

Finding Your Rhythm: Practices for Holiday Ease

1. Breathe into the Pause
When dread creeps in—whether it’s the thought of seeing family or the guilt of not going—pause. Take a breath and notice where you feel the tension. Is it in your chest? Your shoulders? Breathe into it.

Practice: Try a simple breathwork rhythm: Inhale for 4 counts, hold for 4, exhale for 6. Repeat for 2 minutes. This slows your nervous system and brings you back to center.

2. Listen to Life’s Beat
Holidays don’t have to follow anyone else’s script. What feels right for you? Find the rhythm that resonates. If staying back allows you to catch up on things you’ve been avoiding, honor that. If going home feels right despite the dread, lean into it.

Practice: Make a playlist of songs that energize you or bring you peace. Listen to it while walking, driving, or packing—it’ll help you find flow.

3. Release the Need to Know It All
The biggest struggle during the holidays isn’t the logistics—it’s the weight of expectation. Release the idea that you need to know exactly what’s next or have all the answers. Instead, focus on one small step at a time.

Practice: Write down the top three things that truly matter to you this season. Keep them visible. Let everything else fall away.

4. Move to Reset
Sometimes the best way to break free from mental wrestling is to move. Stretch, dance, or take a brisk walk. Movement clears mental fog and reconnects you to the present moment.

Practice: Take five minutes to move in whatever way feels good. It could be dancing to your favorite song or simply stretching while you breathe deeply.

5. Align with Kindness
Holidays are a time for giving, but don’t forget to give to yourself. Kindness fuels rhythm. By creating small systems of care—like setting boundaries, giving yourself downtime, or simplifying your to-do list—you stay in sync with what matters.

The Invitation: Dance to Your Own Beat

Holiday dread and indecision are invitations, not obstacles. They’re opportunities to pause, breathe, and realign. The next time you’re wrestling with travel plans or an endless to-do list, remember this:

The universe doesn’t demand perfection—it invites presence.

Ask yourself:

What feels aligned for me this season?
Where can I let go of control and trust myself?

Whatever you choose—whether it’s staying back, traveling, or creating something entirely new—find your rhythm. Let it guide you to a holiday season that feels less like an obligation and more like a celebration of your own flow.

So, put down the overstuffed suitcase and step into the unexpected beauty of life’s rhythm.

You might just find that the beat you’ve been searching for has been inside you all along.

‘til next time,

2mannythoughts