That was the motto I learned as a young girl in scouting and continue to use it now, as a woman in my 70s. Many have commented on my heavy purse or all the bags that I carry to work and back and my packed full suitcase(s) when I travel. I’ve often responded glibly “I’m a bag lady in training.” But when someone asks me if I have a bandaid, or a throat lozenge, or a change of clothes for weather that happens that wasn’t predicted, I generally can be comfortable that I have that covered as I come PREPARED.

As much as I would love to travel light, I never seem to be able to do that. Oh yes, there are times when I’ve culled through my stuff and asked myself “what do I really need” and been able to take out just the necessary items. And most of the time, I’m satisfied with what I brought along and they have served me well.

But I revert back to stuffing my bags with “necessary” items the next time I leave my home.

I even take this a step further when I have to have a conversation that may not be a comfortable one. I try to play out all the scenarios so that I am prepared for the other person’s responses. I guess I feel that I’m not good in spontaneous situations. However, reality has told me otherwise. Very rarely have I been stymied by the inability to respond, although many times I find myself reflecting on the conversation afterwards and playing out better responses on my part. I try to learn from them.

MaryAnn Dana, in her new book, asks me to “try on the Marine Corp slogan of “improvise, adapt, and overcome” and I will truly do just that, in particular on my next trip to upstate NY for several fiber festivals in October. I’ve reserved a car for camping although the campsite is not available one of the nights I need. I’ll get back to you about the results of me working the Marine Corp slogan as I’ll be relying on it instead of the old Girl Scout one that I’ve lived all my life “be prepared.”