The Packed Box

Boxes come in all shapes and sizes and vary in strength, durability and capacity. Everyone has a box, unique and different than anyone else. The box, comprised of time and limited by the confines in which it resides which is based on the capacity of those who packed it. A living thing that can expand & contrast based on ever changing variables. The size is always limited to that you are able to carry. Only the packagers are aware of how the items (time) fits within the box. Boxes are constantly changing as time passes. Carefully crafted; layered with overlapping events: birthdays, family gatherings, homework, sports, time to yourself, date night, shopping, playing, last min plans, unexpected events, packed based on the knowledge, experience, capacity and capability of those packing it. For those fully emerged and actively participating in life boxes are always filled and sometimes overflowing. These overflowing, yet manageable boxes are masterfully curated, carefully packed and extremely fragile. Items are added begrudgingly and excitedly, based on your unique set of chosen opportunities, experiences forged by circumstances, passion, commitment and dedication to living and being alive! The items within intertwine, overlay and overlap, artfully created and astonishing to look at, admire in a sense of disbelief. To some it appears as an illusion, almost as if the box is able to bend time and defying science and creating new realities. Like a magician pulling an endless piece of cloth from their sleeve.

There are times when others have the same items in their box as you; from thanksgiving plans to cousin outings, that does not mean they are the same. Often misinterpreted as the same packed item and at time brutally compare. Although they appear to be identical, they are drastically differing, a difference that is only know based on the knowledge and understanding by the packer on all and everything within and how they are all connected together, the essence that brings the box to life and "Boxes Life Matter." Attempting to compare is treading the thin box line what will cause division and divisiveness To truly compare these items you need to know its characteristics / meaning of the box, not the item independently; all that needs to be considered leading up to, at the time of and after this item… how to get there, who your with, your relationships with all there, where are you coming from and what are you doing next… variables only fully understood by the packer and not something that can be deduce by looking at 1 singular item in a box. The value / meaning and perspective one has on their box is theirs and based on their own personal feelings, emotions, experience and perspective …. driven by their own set of unique circum / happenstance. Not to be interrupted or misinterpreted by others perspective and views.

You decide on the status and symbology of what your box represents to you; NO ONE ELSE. Do not allow others to influence how your box is packed. You can share with others how you packed your box but do not expect or get offended if others pack theirs differently then yours. Do not try to unpack and re-wrap items in someone else's box based on your own perception of what needs to be in their box; rather, appreciate, acknowledge and respect shared contents and know they have different value & meaning to those who packed.

The proverbial "straw" is sometimes all it takes to destroy the "Perfectly Packed Box." The straw represents the point of capitulation - when life and living explodes; at times shattering the mind, body and soul leaving one dazed, confused… the breaking point, resulting in emotional distress and an overwhelming feeling of chaos, disorganization, disappointment accompanied by sadness, frustration and failure. Not to be confused with the end, rather the beginning. After the sorrow and sadness and many points of reflection on the "Straw" and how it unnecessarily, unwantedly, uninvitedly made its way into your box you can start to rebuild, repack a stronger, more meaningful box with the understanding and knowledge of the "straw." You will emerge more resilient to the never-ending variants of straws.

There is not right or wrong way to pack it. If you break the box you break time which creates chaos and confusion; a disruptor of life – Don't break time, respect it and that of which others have it packed in; respect and appreciate the box as you would want others to do for you.