Hey there Reader,
Traveling Light – In Every Way That Matters
What we carry matters—and what we let go of might matter even more.
As you read this, I’ll be somewhere along the rugged coastline of northern Italy, walking the winding paths of Cinque Terre with just a backpack and my husband by my side.
We packed light for this trip—on purpose. Both physically and metaphorically.
This journey has been a dream of ours for a while. And it came together not because the timing was perfect (it wasn’t), or because we had everything figured out (we didn’t). But because we made a conscious choice to say yes to adventure—even in the midst of life’s harder seasons.
You see, we’ve had a tough stretch recently. My husband has been navigating some health issues, and just 10 days ago, I said goodbye to my beautiful dog, Murphy, who’d been my sidekick for 14 years. There were plenty of reasons to stay home, to play it safe, to tend to all the responsibilities close to home.
But there was something stronger calling us—a desire to really live.
And part of that, for us, is travel. Sometimes that means hopping in the car for a weekend trip to Alberta. Sometimes it’s camping. And sometimes, like now, it’s crossing an ocean with just a backpack.
But here’s the thing: the real journey isn’t about the miles. It’s about how we show up. And what we carry with us.
We carry too much, don’t we?
Old stories. Outdated beliefs. Emotional baggage.
We drag the weight of past hurts, fears, and expectations into the present—without realizing how heavy it has become.
This trip has been a lesson in lightening up, literally and figuratively.
We’ll be hiking between villages, climbing stairs and steep paths, and moving from place to place. Luggage with wheels? Out of the question. So we’ve packed only what we truly need—just like we try to do in life. And what a gift that can be.
Years ago, when we traveled by motorcycle, I learned something important: there’s a deep sense of freedom that comes from carrying less. From letting go of the extras. From realizing that we actually don’t need as much as we think.
There’s also a lesson here about how we spend—our money, our time, our energy.
It’s so easy to spend without thinking.
$500 here, a Costco haul there.
But what if, instead of buying more stuff, we invested in experiences?
What if we gave ourselves permission to choose adventure, even if it requires saving or shifting our priorities?
This isn’t to dismiss how hard it can be. I’ve lived on very little. I’ve juggled multiple jobs and barely made ends meet. I know what it’s like to feel like there’s no room for anything extra. But even then, I found ways to create beauty and adventure in small, meaningful ways.
You can too.
As I write this, I’m thinking about what I’ve left behind—and not just clothing or keepsakes.
I’ve left behind roles I no longer need to play.
Grief I’ve been holding too tightly.
And expectations—of myself, of others—that have weighed me down.
This trip is also about stepping into a new identity. A freer version of me. One who doesn’t need to prove or perform. One who gets to enjoy what’s right in front of her.
I don’t need souvenirs. I’m bringing back the experience.
The taste of limoncello on my tongue.
The view of pastel buildings clinging to cliffs.
The joy of being fully present.
So here’s my invitation to you—because this isn’t just my journey.
It’s yours too.
Where are you carrying too much?
What could you let go of—mentally, emotionally, spiritually, or physically—that would allow you to feel freer, lighter, more you?
What adventure have you been putting off, telling yourself “maybe someday”?
Could someday be closer than you think?
You don’t have to fly across the world.
Start small.
Take a walk somewhere new.
Say yes to something spontaneous.
Plan a weekend just for you.
Reimagine how you spend your time and energy—and what you want most to feel.
As I hike through Italy’s cobbled streets and seaside trails, I’ll be thinking of you—and sending you sunshine, beauty, and courage.
This world is still so full of wonder.
Don’t wait.
Travel light.
Live now.
With love and limoncello
Marianne
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