By Melissa Ballard
One Month Before Going Away
- Try not to think about it. You know it will take you forever–longer than the trip will last–to pack. Even with all that prep, you will take too many pairs of shoes and forget the iPod on which you’ve downloaded the CD, How To Eliminate Panic Attacks.
- Remember this is something you want to do, and will almost certainly enjoy. That the anticipation is always the worst part. Always.
- Tell yourself that anything you forget can be purchased once you get there. Probably. Try not to think about that week you spent without a car at a summer resort where the gourmet grocery store sold seventeen flavors of olive oil, but did not stock peanut butter.
- Meditate daily. Practice positive-self talk. Try not to take yourself so seriously, for God’s sake.