I’m the Queen of collecting things.
I’m not a hoarder per say, but I like to hold on to things – tangible or not – to look back on them later. Whether it’s adding a new reading list in my notebook, jotting down a writing idea in my notes app or holding on to a movie ticket, I love collecting memories.
Lately, I’ve been developing collections to enhance my creativity and balance my mental health. I’ve been adding as many self-care options as possible this year and creating these collections helps me stay in a happy state of mind. It gives me a chance to reflect on memorable moments that made me smile.
So, here are five of my digital (and traditional) collections to inspire you for the rest of 2018 – and start 2019 – on a positive note:
IG Collection
The bookmark feature on Instagram is an underrated tool. While most people are adding GIFs to their Instagram Stories and using the HUJI app’s filter on their IG posts, I’m bookmarking all the things that make me laugh, smile and overall provide a spark of motivation.
Since I spend so much time on Instagram, I thought I use all that the platform offers. I started saving videos of IG comedians, pictures of clothes I want in my closet, and visually satisfying soap-cutting content (Don't judge). I found myself creating sub folders for these IG posts and looking back when I’m tired of scrolling through the discovery page.
I suggest making tons and tons of folders to look back on. It’s even a great tool to make a visual board of a hairstyle you want, a room decor, or just a satisfying color aesthetic. You’re on the app anyways, my as well make the most of it.
Secret Tumblr Aesthetic Blog
Well, the secret is out. I’ve been creating a mood board of one of my favorite colors – brown. It reminds me of Fall and who doesn’t love matching shades of the same colors together?
For the past year or so, I’ve been collecting different shades of brown and reblogging it on my Tumblr. As the cornball that I am, I decide to name it brwnbeauty, to fit in with the underground Tumblr community. The board is aesthetically pleasing and is a representation of what I wish my Instagram page look like if I spent time making it a color theme.
While Tumblr has always been an unspoken secret and one of the most underrated social media platforms out there, it’s a great place for self-expression. Aside from Instagram, Tumblr has the most gorgeous photos, so it’s no surprise I flocked to the site to make my very own digital color scheme.
A 2018 Happy List
Aside from collecting everything on the Internet, I’ve been jotting down significant moments in my life that made me the most happy. I find when I write things down they are engraved in my mind forever.
From the Women’s March in January to the Harry Styles concert in July, these memories make 2018 worthwhile. It’s those exact moments that still make me smile and feel warm inside. It’s so easy to remember bad moments in your life with so much clarity and lose sight of good days that defined who you are.
I have a habit of making mental lists of the worst days of my life. You know the ones that keep you up at night. So I decided this year I was going to switch it up and fill my mind (and pages) with happy moments to think about. All you need is paper, a writing tool, and a memory you want to hold on to.
Scrapbook
I was inspired by an old YouTuber I use to watch (any CharlieSoCoolLike fans out there?) to create a scrapbook full of memories. I always had a habit of creating vision boards (mostly of celebrities), so this craft wasn’t new for me. One day, I begged my mom to buy this huge, no lines, bible-looking book from Barnes & Noble and promised her it wasn’t a scheme to make her pay for a book i’ll only use once. (RIP to all the unfinished notebooks…)
Surprisedly, I proved her wrong and have been filling up the pages every since. My bulky book is one of my prized possessions and will reach for it first before my phone. I’ve collected everything over the years. From receipts while I was studying abroad to every concert ticket since 2008, my whole life is featured in this one book. If anyone ever wanted to figure out who I was, here’s the evidence in front of you.
When I want to get away from social media and technology for a while, I grab the things I’ve collected and start putting it together. I’m strategic yet creative when it comes to filling up the pages. There’s not an item I haven’t included in the book and I think it’s a great self-care activity to work on to clear your head for a while.
Spotify Playlists
I hope when my future children ask for music selections from my past, I can show them the countless playlists I’ve made on Spotify. There should be an award given to people who’ve made more than 10 playlists on the music-streaming platform. In all honesty, I might have a playlist-making problem.
There’s not a playlist I’ve haven’t made or is still developing. I have a playlist for every mood, era and possibly situation. If it’s raining, listen to my Rainy Days playlist. If you need a ego boost, listen to my 💁💁💁 playlist. I get enjoyment knowing that there’s a playlist made for me by me with the right mood in mind.
So, go forth and create your own little collection of happy things. It’ll leave you feeling inspired, motivated, positive or all three for the rest of the year.