As flights go, it was ordinary. Still, the trip stands out in my memory as one of my all-time favorites because I traveled light.

I flew to Dallas in the morning, spoke at a luncheon and returned home later that evening. It was so simple. No luggage to check, no carry-on, nothing. No straining to hoist all of that heavy stuff into the overhead compartment.

I was free to just walk on, buckle up and relax. I was unencumbered and carefree.

There's something to be said about traveling in such a way. For cyclists, the difference between winning and losing can come down to a simple matter of weight. Possibly that's why we never saw Lance Armstrong towing a little trailer filled with snacks and beverages.

And how about those climbers? Imagine anyone attempting to schlep a set of Samsonite to the top of Mount Everest.

My point is savvy cyclists and climbers are keenly aware of the weight they carry. They know the success of their endeavor depends on their ability to reach their goals without delay.

And so it is with you. The heavier the load you carry, the more difficult will be your journey and the more trouble you'll have reaching your goal. So, are you enjoying your journey, or are you about to break under the weight of your heavy load?

Review your load. You can divide everything you carry into two categories: tangible and intangible. Tangibles might be too many possessions, heavy debt, clutter and an overcommitted calendar. Intangibles might be

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perfectionism, fear, doubt, guilt and worry.

Release what you cannot control. It is possible you're trying to manage burdens you were never meant to keep -- like regret. It adds nothing to your life and only wears you down. The past is over, so let it go. Stare down your fears and doubts. And worry? Set it down.

Re-evaluate your possessions. While it's true that possessions mean all the stuff you own, the term also refers to your debt. Begin immediately to reduce the heavy load. Every dollar of debt you repay lightens your load.

Now consider your other possessions. Maybe it's time to have a sale to get rid of all that heavy stuff.

Renew your mind. Every day you choose your attitude and the way you will respond to life. Elaine St. James in her book, "Simplify Your Life," writes, "The secret to happiness is not in getting more but in wanting less."

Even when you feel your life is completely out of control, you can be sure of this: You alone have control over your mind and your thoughts. You can choose to live under your circumstances or to rise above them. If you want to soar, you need to take a serious look at all the baggage you carry. Then do what-ever it takes to lighten up.

Write to mary@everydaycheapskate.com or Everyday Cheapskate, P.O. Box 2099, Cypress, CA 90630.