FUN FRIDAY--COLLECTING SHELLS

Collecting things gives us an opportunity to focus on what brings us joy

This week's fun stems from last week's adventures.

While we were at the ocean, I collected shells on the beach. I even found an intact sand dollar. (Obviously, not a shell, but amazing none-the-less.) Maybe this isn't a novelty to those that live near the beach, but I loved it.

When I was a kid I collected rocks because no matter where I was, the likelihood of rocks was high. Our neighbors had a rock tumbler and sometimes my friend and I would shine those rocks up and try to sell them. We didn't make much, but it was a lot of fun.

Collecting things brings joy to the person collecting. It's a way to express interest in items or delight in certain features. For me, shells are a representation of the ocean--and I love the ocean. Since I live far away, shells are a reminder of something that I love. Plus, I love the color and variety seen in each shell.

Kids collect all kinds of things: stamps, toys, mini cars, coins... whatever it is, it brings a focus onto looking for the item and a delight when it is found.

I think the inner child in all of us can delight in something--and focus on what brings us joy. It's a good practice to keep our minds in a place of gratitude and awe. After all, every day we are given is a gift. Even when the world is chaotic, there's an opportunity to actively look for and delight in the things around us. The world is beautiful.

Do you collect anything? If so, what? How does it make you feel?