ComiCentric Issue 43: Kid tested. Parent approved.
Where is the line that one crosses and goes from being a collection becomes a pack rat? At what point is it too much? I say too much because it’s never enough. It just becomes too much and sometimes you need to clear house and set aside what you truly love to bring out what else is hidden behind that enormous collection years in the making.
It takes you years to develop into who you are, and, in these years, you tend to hold on to things that eventually help make you who you will become. Some people collect music. Some people collect stamps. It’s not unnatural to surround ourselves with things that we like and give us comfort. But that dopamine seems not to last long. That we go out and we get another album. Another set of stamps. Just to get that rush. Soon enough if left uncontrolled you can start building your furniture with the boxes you have accumulated.
As adults we can buy what we couldn’t as children. Saving for the future is the most adult thing you could do. But remember you are living in the present. And why not get yourself one? I get it, it’s an excuse to be thoughtful to yourself. Build a collection get surrounded by it. Build a nest that reflects what you feel inside. A place where your history is told by the objects that surround you. The cool kids call it the fortress of solitude.
Some of the stuff that one has had for years, why keep it? It holds no value besides sentimental. Unless you live in the past there is no reason to keep them. I’m not saying throw it all away. keep key moments. No need to go overboard. We meticulous nerds who are set in their ways. Or can we change? Can we get rid of years of memories and clutter that could be preventing us from moving forward? or buying more stuff to fill those holes?