If you had to pick a piece of carry-on luggage, it wouldn't be me.

As I grow and mature, I learn new things about myself all the time. In many instances, if I discover something about myself that is not particularly flattering, I find myself working through the stages of grief in which, I linger in "denial" the longest."

The follow is a direct copy and paste from Wikipedia's entry on "the 5 stages of grief." In my experience, it is the quotes listed below (that apply to each emotion),which I most identify with.

Denial: The initial stage: "It can't be happening."
Anger: "Why ME? It's not fair!" (either referring to God, oneself, or anybody perceived, rightly or wrongly, as "responsible")
Bargaining: "Just let me live to see my child(ren) graduate."
Depression: "I'm so sad, why bother with anything?"
Acceptance: "It's going to be OK."

So here's where I'm at: I am not a good traveler (acceptance). I do not travel well.
I get cranky. I get frantic. I get panicky. I get uncomfortable and whiny. I am evil.

Here is how my five stages of grief worked:
Denial: The initial stage: "I'm an excellent traveler!"
Anger: "Why ME? It's not fair! Why do I have to be a miserable traveler?" (either referring to God, oneself, or anybody perceived, rightly or wrongly, as "responsible")
Bargaining: "Ok, so maybe I don't travel well but I'm a nice girl. Just let me be a better traveler and I promise to volunteer somewhere(s)."
Depression: "I'm so sad, why bother with anything? Why even take a trip?"
Acceptance: "It's going to be OK. We're all different. Some of us travel well, others of us do not."

Really, my behavior can be summed up like this: If I was a suitcase, I would not have wheels.

I think there should be a sixth step called "Sucking it up and moving on." My quote for that would be: "In the past I may not have been a good traveler but I resign to take the following travel precautions:
1. pack an assortment of snacks and be cautious of lbs,

2. arrive at the airport/train station/bus stop early enough not to stress out big time,

3. Don't yell at airport/train station/ bus stop personnel unless they truly deserve it,

4. Count to ten in my head before I let my travel companion know how much I am not enjoying myself,

5. Wear pants with an elastic waistline,

6. Smile even if I don't mean it."

It feels good to be honest with myself. Ah, maturity.