The backpack

This is the thing I get the most letters about.

I drew a backpack.

It helped me realize there were lots of things I needed to unpack. By sharing it, I also realized I wasn’t the only one carrying way too much.

The backpack drawing was included as an illustration in my book Becoming Better Grownups. The book was released four years ago this very week in that year of years 2020. This means it arrived in bookstores at exactly the moment bookstores closed.

Even so, the book found its way to people. The book continues to find people.

Of all the things mentioned in the book, it’s the backpack that I get the most mail about. We created a discussion guide for book clubs and classrooms. Included in this was a blank backpack. People began sending me their filled-in sheets. They’ve shared the heavy. They’ve shared their hopes for the light.

I was floored when a prisoner rehabilitation program reached out.

An inmate shares what they’re packing as they re-enter society.

The counselors were working with inmates to help them unpack the heavy things weighing them down. They invited them to repack their backpacks for what they’d need to begin new lives outside of prison.

I received their words and read them through stunned tears.

Today I want to share the backpack resource with you. It’s only been available through the full book discussion guide and never as its own thing. People reach out wondering how to get it or asking if a blank backpack exists. Well, now it does! So here you go.

The blank backpack can be found here.

Please feel free to share.

Everyone is carrying something. Lena Horne said, “It's not the load that breaks you down, it's the way you carry it.” Maybe some of the junk we lug around isn’t meant to be carried.

We can all find ways to help each other carry what’s needed and drop what’s not.

So, here’s to unpacking the unnecessary.

Here’s to healing and helping others heal.

Flying and helping others fly.

+ I’m back! It’s been spring break for our kids, so I’ve been slow to respond. Thank you so much for all the love! Back at my desk and excited about all the work in front of me. Good things ahead!

+ FAIL-A-BRATION! is available for pre-order! Want to throw a fail party of your own? Sign up here.

+ BACKPACK PRINTS and other merch can be found here! All orders are shipped directly from our workshop in Tennessee and support our continued work.