Unchecked Baggage is a brand new podcast all about relationship advice. The episodes are aimed at talking about emotional baggage, love, sex, and relationships. The hosts, Lena and Rob, believe that life is too short to be weighed down by unchecked baggage and seek to help listeners let go of past baggage to have better relationships with others. They have been married seven years, but have both brought some emotional baggage from past relationships. Listen as they share about this baggage and what has helped them overcome it. 

First, Lena and Rob define emotional baggage as negative unprocessed emotions from past experiences. They point out three types of baggage that can threaten relationships. The first is through family of origin, which can be baggage brought from parents, siblings, or another family member. A good way to address this kind of baggage is through forgiving them, but to also removing yourself from them. Second is depression baggage and Rob shares about his own journey with this. A good way to combat depression is through doing things you enjoy and self care. The last kind of baggage they discuss is the X-factor baggage where you are hung up on a x boyfriend/girlfriend. Rob and Lena talk about how to approach a girlfriend/boyfriend who is holding this baggage.

Next, Lena and Rob talk about sneaky types of baggage which must be addressed in order to have a healthy relationship. First is guilt, which is a feeling you have when you think you’ve done something wrong. They encourage listeners with this baggage to learn from past mistakes rather than letting them control you. Second is regret, which is living in the past. Lena encourages listeners with this baggage to practice learning from the past while focusing on the present. Next is the baggage of fear of the unknown or from past experiences. This can be addressed through exposing yourself to what you are afraid of alongside a good support system. Fourth is inner criticism of talking badly to yourself. Rob and Lena both encourage this to be addressed by learning to silence your inner critic and practicing self care. Lastly is PTSD, which can be addressed through therapy with a professional. 

Lastly, Rob and Lena focus on baggage that comes from past or present toxic relationships. They both share some of the baggage they have brought from past relationships and how it has affected their own current relationship. There are several steps that can be taken to address baggage from toxic relationships. The first is purging all physical reminders of the relationship. Secondly is the ability and willingness to open up about the past hurt when a new partner comes along. Lastly is to spend time in self care through journaling, therapy, yoga, or any other activity you enjoy. In conclusion, Rob and Lena encourage listeners to take the time to address and process past baggage which will lead to much healthier preset relationships. 

Links:

Read more information about how to handle relationship baggage in the articles below: 

• https://www.eharmony.com/blog/3-types-emotional-baggage-threaten-relationships/