I think I could officially be classified as a fall risk now.
In the last few months, I have found myself on the ground in strange contortions of myself.
I have TMJ, tinnitus, and a prolapsed eardrum, but most of the time those are not the cause of my tumbles. The common denominator to my sometimes ass-over-backwards positioning is that when confronted with items to bring somewhere, I choose to make one trip instead of multiple ones—leaving me vulnerable to tipping over.
It’s the classic “one-trip mentality.” The belief that carrying everything at once is more efficient than going back for another load.
The first big realization of this mentality happened years ago. I had a 15-minute break between coaching sessions when a quick storm erupted. The sky opened, thunder roared, and I ran outside to grab all the patio cushions before they were soaked.
Naturally, I carried them all at once.
I missed a step.
Down I went.
Broken ankle.
That was the first big fall.
The most recent fall happened after one of this year’s snowstorms. I carried all the trash bags out at once. Without warning, I was suddenly on my back—with the trash bags on top of me.
Like a turtle.
You know the videos on Instagram where a turtle flips over and a herd of other turtles comes to help turn it back?
That was me.
Except there were no turtles in sight.
So I laughed, pushed the overfilled trash bags off of me, rolled over, and stood up.
When I got up, there was a perfect indent in the snow—not a beautiful snow angel, but the distinct impression of a human holding trash bags.
The third fall happened just the other day.
The Blizzard of 2026 dumped nearly two feet of snow, followed by melting and the dreaded black ice. When I arrived home from work, I had about five bags hanging from my arms. As I pivoted to grab the mail, the weight must have shifted.
Arm outstretched.
Down I went.
Fast.
Right onto the icy road between snowbanks.
Once again, I had to roll over and turtle my way up—this time to the sound of my daughter scolding me.
And that’s when the realization hit me like a slap in the face.
The pack-mule mentality.
And maybe it wasn’t just the bags.
Maybe it was a lifetime of carrying too much at once—responsibilities, financial and otherwise, decisions, expectations—believing that doing it all myself was the most efficient way forward.
As a divorced, single, working woman, I run at top speed just trying to keep up with everything that needs to get done. Somewhere along the way, I adopted the belief that doing everything in one trip meant I was being efficient.
But the truth?
It’s false efficiency.
I never make two trips.
And maybe that works in our 20s, 30s, or even 40s.
But after years of moving fast, pushing through discomfort, and taking my body for granted, I made an important decision.
From now on—
I will be making two trips.
Being more mindful of myself and the risks I’m taking.
Making two trips feels foreign—like using my non-dominant hand. But two trips might prevent a fall.
When I was growing up, kids used to say, “Nice trip! See you next fall!” when someone tripped. It wasn’t exactly said kindly.
I’ve always been a little clumsy.
But now that I’m officially entering fall-risk territory, the safest and easiest way forward is simple:
Make two trips.
Because maybe the real lesson here is this:
We should all be focusing more on physical ease in the present moment for the sake of our future well-being.
Sometimes slowing down is the smartest way forward.
And sometimes the wisest choice we can make is simply this:
Go back for the second trip.
Or maybe even more simply…
Carry a little less.
I’m curious…
Have you ever caught yourself in the “one-trip mentality”?
Sometimes the smallest shifts—like making two trips—are the ones that protect us the most.
More About the “One-Trip” Mentality
The tendency to carry multiple bags at once rather than making two trips is driven by a combination of efficiency, preparedness, and the logistical demands of busy lives. It is often a mindset that favors overcoming physical discomfort over the inconvenience of returning for more items.
Here are a few reasons this habit is so common:
Extreme Efficiency and Time-Saving
Many people view carrying everything at once as a way to finish the task quickly and move on. The effort feels like a one-time challenge rather than a repetitive chore.
“Just in Case” Preparedness (Psychological Safety)
Carrying extra bags or items can create a sense of control. Having everything with us—water, snacks, documents, chargers, or weather gear—reduces the anxiety of being unprepared.
Managing Complex, Busy Lives
Many women juggle multiple roles in a single day—work, errands, school pickups, activities, or commuting. Carrying everything at once can feel like the most practical way to move between responsibilities without going back home.
Adaptability and Accessibility
Multiple bags allow items to stay organized and accessible for different needs throughout the day.
Avoiding Repetition
For many people, the annoyance of returning to the car or house for another load simply feels worse than carrying a heavier one the first time.
In short, the “one-trip mentality” is a trade-off that prioritizes immediate convenience and preparedness over physical ease.
