31 Comments
User's avatar
Kathy G's avatar

I so needed this advice!

Alicia Barr's avatar

OMGosh❣️What an excellent suggestion! Seriously! I do need to leave a pile of Stuff (internal and EXT) behind - for GOOD❣️❣️❣️👍

Tamara's avatar

I love the metaphor of what to pack, because so many things, even things we might enjoy, ultimately become burdensome. Especially at this end of life, less is more.

Happy New Year's Eve, everyone!

Alicia Barr's avatar

I love that a LOT: less is more❣️

Kathy Sieg's avatar

Interesting way to frame thinking about the year past and the year coming toward us. Have the best New Year's!

Mary McNally's avatar

I love this so much, Clara! Happy New Year’s Eve! 🎆🎇🎆

Sue's avatar

I love this so much. There’s only room for so much. Happy New Year

Clara Parkes's avatar

Carry-on only. (Even the dogs only get one suitcase.)

Penny's avatar

Wonderful, stop ,sit,breathe in nature, no hurries

Heidi Carvin's avatar

Happy New Year! Thank you for always starting the day out right.

Ann's avatar

Clever post! Lots to ponder! Happy New Year !

Patty's avatar

I love the idea of starting the new year with an empty suitcase! Happy New Year to all of you!

Elizabeth Ann's avatar

Oh good A new adventure!

Jackie Sideman's avatar

Great suggestion. Instead of making those “New Year resolutions” let’s gently and honestly look at what we can leave out of that suitcase, and move forward with anticipation and joy. There’s always work to be done, but so much easier with hope and commitment in our heart.

Joanne's avatar

Leave the old, unwanted baggage behind and start afresh with a sparkling new suitcase full of possibilities! And a bucket hat, too! Your Daily Respite thoughts are like those suitcases. You give us positive thoughts to begin our own daily journeys. Thank you for that! Stay warm up there and have a very happy New Year.

Clara Parkes's avatar

Thank you, Joanne! And to you too!

Anne Rutledge's avatar

Comfy clothes! Knitting! But first, a new left hip!

Clara Parkes's avatar

Best of all, that goes in you, not the suitcase -- which leaves you more room for yarn and comfy clothes!

Lauren Dillon's avatar

Thank you, Clara, for this year of respites. You have made a positive difference in our lives. Here’s to a happy and healthy 2026.

Clara Parkes's avatar

Thank you, Lauren.

Jennifer Manoukian's avatar

Hey, thanks, Clara! I’ll take the smaller orange one in the left, pack in all the people I care most about, my animals, and those daily treasures—like your blog—which calm my life. 🙏🏻