Examinations #1
Books, stamps, coins, dolls, cars, toys, records…all common items that people collect. These, and a million other items find their way into our treasure troves.
Personally, I have a modest collection of books, bells, compasses, cap guns, metal cars and whimsical oddities. Why? For that matter, why do any of us collect anything?
Because we like it. The items fascinate us or give us a warm feeling or make us smile. Perhaps they represent something from another time that we cherish. Maybe we enjoy speculating on their future value. Usually, it comes down to someone saying, “I just like these.” Collecting can be a good hobby.
Moving on from the tangible, we also collect memories, experiences and learnings. Did you know that you can relive a vacation from years past by walking yourself through each day and significant moment of the trip? You probably also think of people you love who have passed on, of their smile and unique flair. These can make us sad, but often, they lead us to be thankful. You probably do not wish for your people to experience undue sadness at the memory of you, but rather warm smiles of gratitude as they replay scenes of life shared with you. So we create collections even as we gather them.
Often the tangible items we collect are connected to the more sentimental items that we collect. For instance, we have a Christmas tree ornament from most of the places we have visited on vacations. If you think about the toys, records or keepsakes that you collect, you may easily see their connection to something bigger.
Experiences, memories, lessons. Baseball cards, dishes, decorations and a world of other possible items.
Collections. What are you collecting? Why?
Worth Repeating
Collecting is more than just buying objects.
-Eli Broad
