Destination Nowhere

When I was 12, the women in my family told me I had to start carrying a purse around. It was a sort of phase into womanhood. I remember being reluctant about it. I had maybe one small purse that I rarely carried around when I went out with my parents or grandparents just because. I never actually carried anything in it. I didn’t even really understand why women would want to carry things with them all the time.

But now? I can’t leave the house without my bag. My bag has anything and everything I might need at a moment’s notice. Going on a spontaneous trip? It’s okay. I have my bag. See a hiking trail on the way to the mall? It’s okay. I have my bag.

My bag is my lifeline. Not only does it have important things — cellphone, wallet — but it also has things that are important to me — journal, camera. Sometimes there’s a granola bar (have to keep up my energy!) And sometimes there’s an iPod. Sometimes there’s a book or Kindle. Cut myself? It’s okay. I have bandages.

Wherever life takes me, I have faith that whatever is in my bag will be enough to get me through it.