Do you have any collections?

I want to think that each of us have an assortment of personal items that have special meaning to them, whether they were handed down to us or because of some emotional connection.

I have read sonewhere that sentimentality is a huge factor why a good number of people collect. The objects or things one acquires bring about a sense of nostalgia — reminding them of loved ones, unforgettable moments, and/ or special memories. Lookibg at ny various collections, I’d say I personally agree to these.

Further digging into the positive side of things, collecting has been said to be good for one’s mental and overall health. It is believed to bolster one’s brain health, reduce stress, and give off a happy feeling.

My collections are something that give me a sense of belonging to something bigger than myself. Whenever I spend time arranging my collection or looking out for new finds — some how alleviates that feeling of stress and anxiety. It allows me to escape from everyday life and focus completely on something else… it allows me to reminisce good memories attached to the item I collect.

So here’s a rundown of rhe items I have been collecting through the years.

1. My travel memorabilias from fridge magnets, miniature world landmarks display, Starbucks tumblers to die-cast airplanes. But my most prized travel mementos are the bank notes and coins from the 53 countries I have been to (although I also have some that are from countries I haven’t visited to which I have acquired them by buying from fellow numismatists).

2. Books (in general). While I have acquired a lot of books since my college years (from Bob Ong books to Paulo Coelho and Mitch Alhom books, and many more).

I’d say that mybmost valuable book collections are my “The Little Prince” books written in different languages (which I started to collect when I started travelling to foreign countries), and my “Hardy Boys” collections which reminds me so much of my childhood and my father. My 1st Hardy Bkys books were my pop’s, and since then, I have added more to it. These books made me love detective type of reading materials.

3. My most recent “obsession” is collecting (and making) soy candles that are scented and are named after travel destinations.

I have a complete Somewhere candle collection and have made my own line of soy candles called Story, in which each candle is named after a local or foreign place I have visited or wish to visit. The scent of each candle is reminiscent of that particular place the candle is named after.

Other items I used to collect include coasters, kokeshi dolls, and stamps.

Whatever it is that you’re collecting, I hope they bring you joy amd lovely memories to recollect.