Collecting items of interest can be a great deal of fun, but the new emphasize on downsizing makes it a little more difficult. It is up to you to decide what is truly a collectable and what is junk. Whether you collect dolls, salt and pepper shakers, stamps, sea shells or cars, you want your collections to be fun as well as meaningful.
Pursuing a hobby is good for you. The process of acquiring, sorting, organizing, learning and sharing your passion gives your brain a real lift. Building a collection is an opportunity to express yourself creatively and to socialize with others who share your passion. Use your imagination to find and organize your loot.
A collection doesn’t have to involve physical objects. If the idea of accumulating more stuff really bothers you, you can engage in something like bird watching or star gazing. All you need is a notebook to track your observations and perhaps a camera if you like visual proof of your prowess.
You will never be bored if you have a true hobby. Remember how you chastised your children when they complained about being bored? The same holds true for you; boredom can be a real killer. Your brain wants you to be creative and craves stimulation; giving your brain a workout matters.
So what can you do that qualifies as a hobby?
• Take up a sport (doesn’t have to be terribly physical: consider table tennis, swimming, or touring with a bicycle group).
• Resurrect an interest from your past: collecting, building models, sewing, or treasure hunting.
• Paint a picture, learn to quilt, make your own jewelry, learn a language or volunteer to help others.
The sky is the limit. Break the cycle of ordinary, move ahead and be engaged in your own life. Do something that gives joy and meaning to your life; it is good for your brain.
There is no right or wrong way to go about it, the project is yours. How you go about researching, displaying or organizing your collectables is up to you. Pick a theme and go for it. Visit flea markets, garage sales, antique stores, book stores and art supply shops and let the adventure begin.
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