Packing Light: Thoughts on Living Life with Less Baggage by Allison Vesterfelt

"When everything doesn't fit, you have to get rid of some of it."-Allison Vesterfelt, Packing Light

Talk about challenging.  This book was very challenging for me.  I am already an aspiring minimalist, but this book added a new aspect of minimalism for me, my emotions.  In Packing Light, Allison Vesterfelt takes a 50 state journey and learns not only what it means to pack light physically, but emotionally, and spiritually as well.

I love learning about minimalism and implementing it into my life. That is why I ordered this book.  I became acquainted with Allison through a blog post traveling in the minimalist circles.  I expected another book on "how to", but I got so much more.  

To give a concrete description of the book, Packing Light is a memoir about a teacher/writer who travels all 50 United States with a friend who is a musician.  She takes a step of faith and goes on a journey because it something she has always wanted to do.  But it is not just a memoir, it is a journey of letting go and embracing something new.

Inside the pages of Packing Light you will find thought provoking ideas that will make you assess your own life.  Why do I believe what I believe about the nature of God?  Is what I believe correct?  Can I hang on to this painful event in my life and still move forward?  Is there something for me to do that is deep in my heart, but I haven't had the courage to step forward into yet?  These are some questions that came up in my own mind as I read. I was also reminded that even as I let go of some things, God desires to add good to my life.

If I were a young adult (which I still am but now with a family), this book would have set me on fire! It still opened my heart and thinking to new possibilities, but being a single person, you have only yourself to be responsible and care for, and when you start adding a spouse and children, the dynamic changes.  

 I love the insight she brings into Jesus' encounter with the rich young ruler.  I have always heard it taught from the perspective of the rich young ruler and his money, but Allison raises some more questions about their encounter as well.  What if the rich young ruler would have let go of all that he had, so he could embrace all that Jesus had for him?

I recommend this book to people who are interested in the minimalist lifestyle.  You will enjoy this read.  I also recommend this book to people who are trying to figure out where they are going in life.  If you have dreams buried in your heart, this book might help them to surface.

Many blessings to you on your journey and wherever He takes you.  It is all about Jesus.

~Beth

Disclosure:  I received this book free as part of Moody Publishers Blogger Program.  I was not required to give a favorable review.  The thoughts and opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

To learn more about Allison Vesterfelt, you can visit her here at her blog.