Ok, so before we start this conversation.
There’s something we need to clear up about
this word “collections” or "collector."
Because I don’t like it.
Mainly because it holds a meaning that’s
unclear.
For example, according to our dictionary.
Collections means: the action or process of
collecting something.
Collector meaning: a person who collects things
of a specified type, professionally or as
a hobby.
Now you’re probably thinking that this definition
sounds pretty straightforward and clear right.
Especially to someone who is practicing minimalism
or living an intentional life.
So really that means “all collecting”
or collections goes against the forward momentum
you’re making on your journey.
But see my question then is: what is considered
acceptable vs unacceptable collecting?
Because to me the line seems blurred.
Which is why I’m not a huge fan of the word
collecting as it stand right and here’s
why.
Let’s say you’re living a minimalist and
intentional life, the best way you know how.
Everything you add to your life is of value
and things you enjoy.
So let’s say you enjoy plants.
You’re a plant mom or a plant dad and just
having plants around is your thing right.
So then technically, you have a plant collection.
Or you’re someone who collects plants right.
That’s acceptable.
Now let’s take baseball cards or books or
workout equipment.
Are these things acceptable or unacceptable?
See the thing that makes this interesting
is the natural contradiction the word collecting
presents in a conversation around minimalism.
For the same reasons I presented earlier.
What’s considered acceptable vs unacceptable
collecting.
And to me the difference has everything to
do with perspective and mindset.
See in the world of minimalism it’s easy
to feel like your space and life is never
minimal enough in comparison to what though,
right?
Which is a conversation for another time but
if you're adding a collection to the mix it
makes that feeling more prominent right.
So how do we navigate this tightrope per say
of minimalism and collecting.
Three things that work in a continuous cycle.
Number one is Review.
See minimalism is a tool that we’re using
or applying to our lives to help us live more
intentionally.
Which means periodically we’re naturally
going to have a review process of the things
we have, use or once enjoyed.
And during this review.
We’re asking ourselves questions like: Does
this bring me joy?
Do I find value in this?
Do I enjoy doing this?
How important is this to me?
And so on.
And because of this review, it then allows
us to reevaluate these collections or hobbies
per say.
So we maintain mindfulness and prevent them
from becoming a source of clutter.
Number two is Edit.
In other words, declutter and let go.
See as we continue to grow and change in our
lives and on our journeys, so does our interest
or the list of things that we enjoy.
And because of this it’s important to recognize
that sometimes a piece of our collection may
become clutter as we no longer find value
in it or enjoy doing it.
When this happens, it means it’s time to
let it go because there’s no reason to hold
on to it.
Easier said than done, I know.
But if we find ourselves holding on to things
we don’t use, value or enjoy.
Then it’s not really a collection or a hobby
anymore.
It’s dare I say, hoarding.
Number three is Enjoy.
See before you start anything I’ve talked
about so far you first have to change the
idea in your mind that all collecting is bad
or dangerous, because so is staring at a screen
and plenty of other things if it’s done
mindlessly and carelessly.
I mentioned earlier that the difference between
acceptable and unacceptable collecting is
perspective and mindset.
But I also want to add enjoyment and purpose
to this conversation.
See regardless of what hobby you have or collection
you embrace.
The key is question is: do you enjoy it?
And if you do always be mindful and purposeful
about it.
If you don’t or are finding that enjoyment
fading then that's when that cycle I was talking
about starts to repeat itself.
And you have to go back and then start the
review process all over again from the beginning.
Remember it's Review, Edit and Enjoy.
Here’s a final thought to sum this up for
you.
If anything you “collect” or have an interest
in is done with intention, purpose and within
reason and not with a hoarder-est mindset
then what’s the problem.
If you enjoyed this video make sure you give
it a thumbs up for me.
If you have a collection like baseball cards
or plants or anything else, let me know in
the comment section down below.
Or if this video made you think differently
about your collection, let's talk about that
in the comment section as well.
If this is your first time tuning in, welcome.
I'm really glad to have you here.
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Always remember, to stay true to you and I'll
see you in the next one.
Peace!
