Three Strands

I am 49 years old.   I am a collector.

My hobby probably stems from my compulsive habit to organise things.  Internally, I was driven by a need to build up a reference.  Probably I see the collection as an extension of my need to find evidence to support my decisions in life.    

What do I collect?    

I collect newspaper cuttings. The newsprints are taken mainly from local newsprint and magazines. I think thoughts expressed on paper are precious.  When the thoughts resonate with mine, the writing becomes more valuable.  Writing takes effort.  The authors of the articles have taken time and energy to express their thoughts.  It is worth and a privilege to read and enjoy them.

I want to keep the thoughts with me, for as long as I can. 

Does a collection reflect the thinking and character of the collector?  I hope so.

Recently I tidied my collection from 2010 to February 2013. Usually, I “throw” the newspaper cuttings into a paper bag and then go through them in June and in December.  The reviews of thoughts are my favourite holiday past times.  This time, I did my review in March.  (Reasons why I am taking a holiday in March will be in my other posts.)      

I sorted my collection.  Interestingly, the newspaper cuttings were roughly grouped into the following groups:

·         The meaning of work and self-worth

·         The causes of health issues in particular depression versus positive thinking

·         The process of dying and dealing with grief

These three strands have occupied my thoughts for almost 2.5 years.  And it’s because I am facing a crisis in my life.

More stories of that crisis and my decisions in other posts.  Keep on reading. J