Out With The Old

On Friday I called the United Airlines Claims Office in Houston, where every lost item and misdirected piece of luggage is sent.  They can tell me the exact date they received my "claim of loss" for the contents of my suitcase and the "interim claim" for necessities I purchased while in California.  They can't tell me anything else except that it will take ten weeks for my claim to be processed.  Ten weeks puts the date at April 1.   Seems fitting, no?

I called United for two reasons: to make sure Houston had received the faxed paperwork, and to ask them to please take as long as it takes to exhaust every avenue to find my luggage.  The people I talked to were pleasant and helpful and honest.  Each person assured me that my situation is not unusual, that luggage is often found and returned, and that they would much rather find my stuff than pay me to replace it.  So we are of like minds, and that's really the most I could hope for.

It has been interesting to step back and reflect on this situation.  The idea of "lost baggage" has surfaced during acupuncture appointments, as in changing habits and letting go of old stories.  I hold onto things, physical and not, and take care of things, literally and figuratively.  To what end?  And that may well be this year's quest....

Yesterday was my birthday.  I am learning to be more gentle with myself as this day approaches.  I used to set goals to be met by certain birthdates, with some success, although the year I turned 35 I was sorely disappointed that I was still a year from graduating from college.  I had decided years before that that was the magic age to have that particular achievement accomplished. 

I haven't set such a lofty goal since then.

This year my goals are short-term and attainable, as in picking up and clearing off and updating more regularly.  I am walking longer and faster on the treadmill, which tells me that regularity matters there, too.  Drink more water and less coffee.  Eat more vegetables and less sugar.

I have set the intention to find more joy.  My main goal is to feel less sad.

The journey continues....