What do you collect? Antique quilts? Stylish shoes? Snowmen? Happy meal toys? Used twist ties?
We humans like to collect things. As kids we probably collected all kinds of stuff: shells, pretty pebbles, toys, stickers, posters, etc. I went through a phase where I collected cat figurines. What did you collect?
Adults collect things too. Some become serious collectors who spend time and money to acquire impressive collections of specific items. (I’ve enjoyed quite a few museums based on someone’s personal collection. I can only imagine the effort put forth to track down all those items.) The rest of us collect as a side hobby or else we merely amass stuff in a haphazard way.
There is nothing inherently wrong with collecting stuff. However, stuff—even an impressive collection of it—does not satisfy us like experiences do.
Think about your photo albums. Do those pictures feature your stuff, or do they capture moments, scenery, and people that make up enjoyable experiences? Our fondest and strongest memories tend to center on experiences.
Why? Because we remember better when something is connected with strong emotion (happy or sad), or when something is novel. That is why we often remember our “firsts”. First car, first date, first airplane ride, etc.
Have you ever considered becoming a collector of experiences?
I think most of us collect experiences to some extent or other. For example, those who travel collect experiences, as do those who are outdoor enthusiasts. A trip provides plenty of opportunity for novelty. A skier or rock climber is always facing new challenges. A birder is seeking a glimpse of a bird they’ve never seen before.
Why not take it up a notch and be more intentional about seeking new and interesting experiences?
The good news is that collecting experiences does not need to be expensive. Memorable moments and novel views can be found around the corner, not just in Rome or Istanbul.
How to collect experiences on a budget
- Visit someplace new. I am willing to bet you have not fully explored the region within twenty miles of your home. Stick your nose in local shops you haven’t been in. Wander through parks. Seek out rails-to-trails or other hiking possibilities and stroll for a different view of local scenery.
- Try a new activity. This might mean paying to take a hot air balloon ride or a pottery class, but not all activities require hefty fees. Find a friend and try out dance move via YouTube. Look for hobby groups and find a mentor to show you something you’ve always wanted to try. Borrow beginner how-to books from the library and give candle-making a try. Google activities like geo-caching and take the family on an adventure to find some near you.
- Go to free events. Concerts, demonstrations, fairs, plays, parades … Search the local paper for what’s happening in your area and make the effort to attend.
- Do old things with a new twist. Jazz up a normal activity (even something as mundane as eating dinner) by adding something unusual. Cook hotdogs in the fireplace or have a make-your-own dinner where each family member must assemble their own kebab/ omelet/ mini lasagna/ whatever. Go for a walk in a local park but walk backwards or blindfolded. The possibilities are endless.
- Make up a challenge or a game. We humans love a challenge. Invite friends over and make them solve a puzzle before they can eat dinner (make sure the challenge is fun rather than frustrating). Go on a hike and keep track of who can see the most____ or touch as many ___ as possible. Create scavenger hunts, treasure hunts and obstacle courses. Try crazy games you discover on the internet.
What experiences will you add to your collection this week? Happy collecting.
