Collecting: A Worthwhile Leisure Activity

WHEN IT COMES to leisure activities which are considered worthwhile, there are many - hundreds, no doubt. However, there's one which may be attractive to a larger group of people than most of us could ever imagine: collecting! People of all ages have gotten-in on this hobby, and for some it has become a lifetime leisure pursuit.

Whether it is salt and pepper shakers, or stamps, or coins, or pocket knives, or license plates, or matchbook covers; becoming a collector has a special appeal to the masses. But for me, it began by collecting baseball cards when I was a kid. Now, if I could only find those old cigar boxes filled with my cards, I might be a wealthy man!

Anyone can be a collector. After coming into possession of an item, the thought of obtaining another item like the first is oftentimes fascinating. For some, the interest in collecting a certain item lasts only for a limited period of time. However, for others, a collection becomes more interesting as years go by. And, many enjoy having more than just one collection.

Getting started with this leisure activity has oftentimes happened by accident. For example, someone receives a miniature lighthouse as a gift; and, the following week that person happens to see a different lighthouse in a store window and buys it. There's a good chance that these two lighthouses are the beginning of a collection that will last for a long while!

The benefits of collecting as a leisure activity are numerous. Perhaps first and foremost is the fact that having an interest in a collection, and focusing attention on that interest during free time, will help relieve stress. Problems, difficulties, irritations, and aggravations coming from work - or other sources - will feel lighter by having something else to think about.

Really, the sky is the limit as to what can be collected. On occasion, we might hear of someone who has collected an unusual or unique item. However, there's an extremely long list of additional items which could be considered traditional. A few of them are mentioned below in random order.

Collectable Items: comic books, music boxes, pens, pins, autographs, thimbles, bookmarks, model trains, rocks, butterflies, ashtrays, dice, clocks, hats, key chains, magnets, photographs, snowglobes, flags, shells, recipes, CDs, DVDs, business cards, post cards, scale models, barbies, autographs, dolls, old toys, stuffed animals, books, artwork, miniature figurines, baseballs, soft drink bottles or cans, bottle caps, cups and mugs, music albums, beanie babies, and 1001 other things!

Are you looking for a new hobby? Are you needing something different to do in your spare time? The answer may be to begin a worthwhile leisure activity. How about starting a collection!