When I was a kid I grew up on section 8, food stamps and food banks. I never had toys. Now I collect my toys to reconnect to my lost childhood. Now my sons are into my favorite hobbies. Scale models, Legos, warhammer and gundam. Life is a dream.
I was brought up in woman's refuges and emergency housing, didn't have a childhood really but at 51 I enjoy collecting toys and sharing with my son. It all worked out for me too.
I have a ton of models out right now for a personal project. As much as I’m not wanting to, it warms my heart that they want to grab a bunch and paint them.
Yeah, similar situation. My Dad always denied me toys as a kid. I had to beg him to buy me just one at the store. He would buy it a week later, and sometimes it would go out of stock, and I'd miss out. We weren't even poor he was just cheap and thought I would get over it. So when I started making my own money, I bought whatever the hell I wanted.
Similar here. Only difference is now that I have the money to enjoy hobbies, my kids literally could not care any less about toys, Legos, models, cool cars, knives, or any of my interests! ...Oh well, I'm still happy!
I'm 45 and stopped collecting comics n video games years ago. I joined the Army, traveled the world, fought in wars, etc. Got out in 2010 and came back to collecting. There's a time and place for everything. You are a young man,and it's time to reflect and move forward. You can still buy toys now and then. But yes,socialize n get your life where you want it. When you are ready to come back, the toys will still be there waiting for ya. And you won't have to stress as much. FOMO is a killer. For sure. You are making a great choice for your future. I've seen people who collect so much,that they live alone with no friends just cats,and all thier things. We don't want to live like that.
Definitely have felt every bit of emotion you have bro, sometimes I’d lay in bed and think why am I spending money on plastic that won’t come with me when I die. I have sold stuff and spent that money on experience life with family. Now I buy toys for me and my son, I collect very selectively and ensure that I prioritize my mental health first over any hobby. Thank you for posting this and being so vulnerable! Much love brother
It’s a hobby but unlike booze or weed you can always resell it and make some money back. For drinking or drugs that money is gone. Not to mention bad on your body. So there are definitely worse vices out there.
What hobby can you take to the grave? The only thing you take to the grave is your regrets and the close that the caretaker will dress on you. I guess you had an obsessive disorder that is a bit diferent from healthy collecting
@@ilikepancakes2368 jeez dark man well if you make art or have kids behind then you leave a part of yourself to live on in the world so to speak. Not literally you, but your legacy/lasting impact.
@@laughslapproductions4690 This is like the sweet temptation that gets you in or keeps you going with the hobby. Reality is that it is not so easy to resell. The entire act of selling can be stressful. Some buyers try to scam you, some try to haggle it down to nothing etc. But, there is definitely the silver lining that it doesn’t outright damage your organs or brain cells, so there is that difference for sure. I think the key point is that buying toys like anything else in life has to be moderated.
Life-long toy collector here (with a few a few breaks here and there) and I truly appreciate your honesty and candor on this difficult topic. Another UA-camr said recently his toy collection: "Is about memories...it can increase joy or pull him out of a funk." Which is true BUT many collectors, myself at times too, have gone too far and it can be unexcesary stress, financial burden and distance between yourself and family. I suppose its about balance but we have to remember, its not the end of the world of we can't acquire something. There were toys I wanted desperately then totally forgot about later on. Crazy how it works.
Golden statement "Its not the end of the world", Literally they often remake the same figure, change the paint and body mold and boom second or third chance to buy what came out 4-5 years ago. For instance look how many White outfit Storm costumes have been released since 2019. A retro card back, the vhs cel-shaded version, the mafex and X-men 97 Mohawk wave. Literally 4 chances to get virtually the same figure within a 4 year span. I've been practicing putting it out of my mind. Like The new Cable and Warbird figures being sold out everywhere is kind of annoying me, but Its not the end of the world. Eventually they will restock and I'll get lucky.
Agreed 100%. It's part of the industry, of course...if a company is gonna invest all that capital to tool and sculpt a character, they sure as hell are gonna amoritze it to make back their investment with slight repaint, variants, etc 👍
I feel ya. I love action figures cuz they are like posable sculptures. But if you got so many you don't really appreciate the art of them cuz there's so many and they are bunched close together.
I totally understand that. Some new things I thought i would love endlessly I'll touch once or haven't open yet. That let's me know it's time to take a pause for the cause.
That, and I think it also has to do with the frequency of how many new versions are coming out recently, so the older ones lose their appeal. "Woah, this Spider-man figure is great"... "Nvm... the new one that is coming out next year is even better" aaaand it's and endless cycle.
Im in the same boat but I have Christ he gives me the peace an Anchor in life that toys and collectibles can’t there only temporary earthy things they won’t fill void in your hearts
Turning 40 and started collecting again last year. It’s all about discipline and reevaluating what you love vs like. Do what makes you happy. You don’t have to care what people think. For me the collecting addiction has kept me from drinking. It’s become too much for me but I’ve slowed down and will only buy what I love and stop with the completionist stuff.
1) do what makes you happy 2) dont care what others think. Did you even listen to what the man was saying? He opened up on how the toy habit is an ineffective Band-Aid over a large pain/trauma and that over years he believes it has hindered him from having more meaningful relationships/experiences with friends or family. Sesh dude, no where did he say he feels pressured to not collect toys.
Yo Iam 45 and collecting slowed my drug addiction big time, yes I can see why people say I swapped one for the other but atleast I got stuff to sell instead of it disapearing. I hear ya.
@@jackrussell3084 The man above said that it helped deal with a worse addiction and that he also slowed down with the replacement, so I don’t see the issue here.
On a second note, I think trauma does play a role, because a hobby replaces trauma but then once the hobby serves it's purpose maybe it's time to shed the skin and grow. Like a crab, the shell protects, but once it had done it's job and the crab has grown, it's time to look for a new shell. I feel like hobbies are a spiritual shell, just like how a house and a car are physical shells.
I'm 51 I'm just started collecting two years ago, I never thought of this Hobbie like an addiction! Reading so many comments of people talking about this like an issue amazed me. I don't think I'm addicted, but I can see how this situation can become a problem. I wish you luck for everybody an it's wonderful to speak about this. It's the first step to control our behavior
But its bad for the toy industry. Many people rely on this guy for job security. He needs to be more materialistic to be happy. Otherwise he will be sad and start a more dangerous addiction like smoking crack. He is probably thinking about quitting because someone made fun of him and now he wants to prove to someone that he isn't a nerd and that he can be one of the cool kids too. It's sickening. He has to like himself the way he is. It's part of life: accept that you are not able to achieve everything you wish and that this hobby is here to keep your calm.
I think the reason you probably don't understand is because you're fairly new . I started collecting in 2005 and I kinda understand this, dude . I mainly collect vintage stuff, and I pretty much accumulated all the stuff I want. The problem I see now is that a lot of vintage stuff has gone up in price and I have a 4 year old son that has become priority 1.Now, I don't really have time like I use to. Don't get me wrong, I still love toys, but I don't really have the desire to obtain super expensive rare pieces or anything .
It's all arbitrary. No one blinks if you spend 100 k on a camper or a boat but if you spend a few grand a year on collectible it's an addiction. Boo. Do what you love.
20 year old female collector here. Always wondered if my childhood full of bullying and depression caused me my love and passion for collecting stuff. Then at the age of 16 I got diagnosed with asperger syndrome, autism. Another option came in. Is it cause I'm weird that I have to compensate my loneliness with plastic I find appealing? Maybe. I collected toys ever since my childhood. Always kept everything in perfect condition and enjoyed displaying stuff. Started with my many many dolls. When I was 9-10 I became a huge fangirl of the Doctor Who and wanted all kinds of figures from the show. Later got into superhero and anime figures, which still continues. And in the last few years got back to collecting dolls again....I can confirm from my side that collecting did definitely caused my at least a bit of a addiction. I may not be the completiontist type who needs every single character from every set, but once something new caughts my attention, I instantly want some of it. Good example - my new interest in Tokusatsu media. Watched just a little, but already ordered 3 figures and already want this Ultraman and that Ultraman in THAT suit....like....I do sometimes wonder if these things will ever fill the lonely hole in my heart. I have severe problem with communicating with others, being around others. My social skills really suck. Always prefer being by myself. The diagnose at least confirmed something for me. Anyways, really enjoyed your video and your opinion on this topic and why you think collecting may be a serious problem for some people. It's good to keep a balance between things you really want to have and love and something you like just because you wanna feel satisfaction. It's also important to ask yourself why you want to buy/collect this specific thing. What's it really for you? That's the question.
I just never buy anything unless I absolutely love everything about it, I like certain shows that have figure lines and I don’t even pick them up cuz they don’t look absolutely perfect or really cool, there’s a Sh figurarts Naruto line and I don’t absolutely love it but I still had an itch to buy it all eventually, the real reason is because I watched it all in 2021 with a friend I haven’t talked to or seen since then, yeah you basically get the point I wanted to fill that void of wanting to be friends with him still but I distanced myself cuz of life problems but that that time has moved on I just haven’t done what I’m telling u to do (accept myself) also with feeling lonley learn to accept yourself, appreciate yourself and stop caring so much about stuff that give you negative thoughts, don’t give those things that your valuing making you suffer in the present value, I don’t like to dwell on it and instead appreciate what I have and what I can change for the better after I learned to accept myself and things around me
Damn.. all this psychologie behind collecting sure takes out the fun for me...Not! No way i,m giving up my collection. Made my social life even better because everyone wants to see it. Thinking of opening a gallery or something and expand big time.
I agree like it has been addiction for me. Sometimes like I find myself obsessed with it on my phone looking for the next thing never being satisfied with what I have and I keep buying buying. I have a new born coming and when you said you can’t take this with us that hit me hard bro.
Thank u so much for sharing. Much needed in the community. Bringing awareness to metal health and how collecting affects us is so important. Wishing u the very best on ur journey.
I appreciate you being so open, this is definitely something I don't see many people talk about in the community. I'm 19 and over the past few years I've spent hundreds and likely thousands collecting figures. I've had thoughts about how that money could've been better used elsewhere helping my family or even just prioritizing necessities. I've fallen down the rabbithole of placing preorders, using pay in 4 plans to have figures even though I couldn't afford them at the moment, etc. I resonate with some of the other things you said in this video, like buying things just for the sake of the dopamine despite not even wanting the item. I've downsized my collection significantly and I want to continue to since I have more than I'm comfortable with. I also began unfollowing social media accounts about toy news and collecting since I feel like seeing them are a major trigger for me. I'm still young, but I definitely have other priorities that I should pay attention to. I really needed to hear this. Thank you and I wish you luck
Came to the same realization as you at about the same time in my life. I was trying to relive a time in my life when I was happy, chasing nostalgia is a helluva drug.
I love videos like this. I think it's so important for us to regularly assess where we are psychologically and emotionally with this hobby because it's all too easy to get caught in the empty cycle of buying more and more but feeling less satisfied. I wish collectors were more vocal about topics like this (even if they aren't quitting collecting) just to maintain a healthy outlook and balance
Thanks for making this video, Vimal. I think, like so many toy collectors, the hobby brought me joy when i had a loney, isolated childhood and the hatred of school and the people at school. Seriously, a brave, poignant video and much appreciated. I'm 41 and i too am looking back on my life with a heavy heart and alot of regret.
Most of the figures I've bought are bc they were on some kind of sale or discount. I rarely buy a figure at full price unless I really really want it or if I know that if I don't it will be more expensive on the secondary market. So yeah, I get what you're saying
The ridiculous prices and the oversaturation of products and product lines has turned me off from collecting. I seldom buy collectibles anymore and I've collected for over 20 years. It just doesn't have the appeal anymore to me.
Wow bro. I just saw this video after deciding to also stop collecting. As time went on I felt more detached from reality and definitely felt FOMO. Glad someone is talking about something many of us may not have considered. God bless, peace love and prosperity to you on your journey.
Stumbled across this video because it was fed to me by UA-cam and had to watch because I'm in the same boat of sorts and this really hit home. I have all the same thoughts: emptiness / lack of purpose to collecting, dopamine addiction, FOMO; all of it. I don't think I'll ever stop collecting completely, but I've curtailed my collecting and my collection immensely. And it definitely feels better. I'm getting more joy out of selling everything than I did in acquiring it 😆
I just sold a bunch of my stuff to a toy store. I got way less than what I paid, but…..it felt good to purge. It was pure anxiety keeping things in totes, knowing I’d probably never display them, ever. It’s a burden. It’s cool to have a few things around the house to display our fandom, but that’s it. No matter how much we try and connect with our childhood memories, we can never go back. Make new memories. Good vid.
Brother I have been collecting toys for basically my whole life. To answer your question about what the meaning of life is, I have learned that it is to know God and to make God known. Even if you quit collecting, there will still be something in you that is empty. I know this because I stopped for a while, but while I stopped I found that Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy. God bless you brother.
Man it’s so crazy that your saying this, I’m trying to move closer to Jesus and wondering about my hobbies and then this video pops up out of nowhere. God is amazing and having a personal relationship with Jesus is the most important thing.
I've been a collector for about 12 years now and have to say the hobby has been holding me back. I need to move back to Europe, but have developed an attachment to my collection that it is delaying the process. Be it not being able to sell, or being reeled back in by new releases from the Figure sites, UA-cam reviewers, and ebay. Its really hard, but it is a neccesary sacrifice to block myself from these sites. Realizing it's an addiction is important. Hopefully I can get over this hump as well. I truly believe in "out of sight, out of mind" since it's worked in the past for me personally. Thanks so much this video helped
Thank you for sharing your story, I have drastically scaled back on my collecting. I sold a bunch of my collection recently and I feel like a weight has been lifted. My family and responsibilities come first, then my hobbies. There is only so much space and so curation is paramount. Collecting used to stress me out sometimes. Now it’s fun like it’s supposed to be.
I've been feeling the same way for a long time now man, your words have definitely helped me out a lot. I'm only 20 and it's been an outlet for dopamine and it's kinda consuming all my space and alot of my time. The part where you said "let's go check target" really hits home man. I wish you luck on your journey and thanks for helping me take the first step in mine.
me and my old man didn't have the greatest relationship growing up, i didn't like, having to go over to his house for the summer, as a kid, it was hot and boring, and he was the Stern silent type makin me study all day, but one summer in my teens, i came across his huge collection of toys and figures, and it was impressive, from dbz figures, tech decks, model cars, star wars, marvel, etc. and we suddenly had a whole lot to talk about. he even helped me start my 1st collection. have you ever thought about saving your collection and one day, use the "plastic" to play with your own kids, and make friendship with them?
So I’m 48 and may not collect figures but have substantial collections of other things. I decided after a breakup 6 years ago to focus on my health and other things, especially dating and focusing on family. Best thing I ever did. I have not sold my collections and now am getting back but I’m a balanced way. You can do that as well but I’m happy for you. Your best years are ahead of you brotha!
...people collect toys to try and recapture their youth, but the fun part wasn't owning the toy, it was playing with the toy, by yourself and with friends. You gotta bust them out of their plastic cell and play with them, take pictures, do dioramas, let your kids play with them, that's how you build new fun memories, that;s the point of having toys. A box on a wall is just depressing.
I’ve always seen action figure collecting as a fun hobby and a way to find quick moments of happiness and excitement of finding the newest thing. I’m 21 now, and by the end of my teens I started to realize that collecting is endless and in reality you should only get what you like. Sure, collecting can become addictive and affect your relationships with others but I think there’s a middle ground by prioritizing what’s important and recognizing when too much is too much. In this online age, it’s becoming easier to ship figures making no need for constant trips to target or Walmart. Just take your time with collecting things and be more selective of what you get. To sum up, collecting is what you make it to be and no one but you is controlling what you buy. Who cares if you can’t get the latest Spider-Man? You might see it again next year a little bit more expensive. And if you’re not willing to pay that price for it, do you really want it in the first place? I also hope to one day connect with my kids over my collection, and if they respond well to it, there’s another positive. Either way, if you enjoy doing it and it’s not hurting you or others in your life, keep enjoying it. Just remember to prioritize what is most important. Personally, my only issue with collecting is the space 😅 when you’re close to needing a storage unit, you know it’s really getting out of hand.
I agree with everything you said man and I've been trying to quit it's an addiction but I've been slowing down, collecting was something that brought me peace and enjoyment since I'm not a very social person but now it's just stressful and kind of shameful having to sneak stuff in without it being seen
You dont take any with you but as long as you live and you see them close to you they fill you out with positive energy, it all comes down on how you balance it
The first time I quit collecting toys I was 16. I told myself I was entering the "adult world". I didn't need that stuff anymore. I'm 51 now. And I have quit collecting toys many times, Now just called it purging. Because it always comes back. Something is always going to pull you back in. I wish you all the strength that I don't have. But if you say you're now only gonna be a minimal collector. That's like an alcoholic going into a bar and saying he's only gonna have one drink from now on. It just doesn't work that way. I have filled an entire room just cherry picking. It's just who we are. But I wish you luck.
@@scottishdude9682 OK. It's like going into a casino and saying you're only going to play one hand of Black Jack. It's like saying you only going to smoke one cigarette after quitting for only a day. It's like going to Pornhub and saying you're only going to watch 1 video. Or it's like saying you're going to take one Oxycodone just for the pain. Take your pick. My point was... addiction is addiction. Anything that stimulates the pleasure senses can become a dependency. Have some compassion for others.
Good points made here. I would also add, if not toys, what? We all have a collecting bug in us, if we stop toys does it become watches, coins, video games, guns, books? For some of us, it's a hard wired behavior that brings a certain level of satisfaction.
I like to collect jerseys, hats, sneakers, funko pops, diecast cars and a few other things. But I don’t have a huge collection. I only buy things that I truly like. I can see how one can get carried away and become addicted to collecting. The fact that you are able to recognize your addiction and all the negatives that come with that addiction, is great. Blessings to you brother! 🙏🏽
It does appear the hobby became an addiction. I praise you for having recognized this. It's the first step. Don't feel bad you stopped an addictive behavior/substance. It feels wrong now but you will be infinitely happier soon. Stay strong.
It’s crazy how you can stumble across a video or vlog that is relatable to what you’re going through. The fatigue is real man. I think a lot of people are having similar thoughts. The market is overwhelming and to a point where it’s not fun anymore. Once the hobby becomes more than anything enjoyable, it’s time to make changes. When I started “collecting” as a hobby, I tried to make a rule of only getting characters that had special meaning. It helped with not trying to buy everything. But even then, so many properties are being used by so many companies. You can’t have one definitive version of a character or enjoy it because the other guy is making one cooler. Kinda rambling off… The scalping and distribution problems killed the hunt and preordering doesn’t even fully guarantee your order. And exclusives have definitely ruined a lot of excitement. It really isn’t much fun anymore. I had already took a break from modern toys and started collecting vintage toys I had growing up. That brought back a lot of excitement. But again, there’s a level to that niche that brings on negative energy. I hope the break does you well. You’re definitely not alone at these crossroads. Thank you for sharing!
Collector here as well. Mcfarlane action figures to be specific, I'll have to be honest it has become an addiction. I used to hang my collection on the wall and went into depression when I decided to store them in the closet. I can't head straight to work without stopping by an bestbuy gamestop or target. I can't stay off of Amazon and ebay. To be honest I have to find a way to end it..
Yeah just save some you want n get rid of rest I have over 800 hot wheels got it down 200 and feel way better and still trying to trim down collection it's hard but it just gets overwhelming
I totally relate to how you feel. I just finished high school and I realized that I didn't have a social life at all and i missed out on a lot of the stereotypical high school experiences because I was so focused on customizing and collecting toys. As I move forward with my life I definitely need to prioritize hanging out with my friends and spend less time and money focused on figures.
Vimal, you have made a video about much of what I’ve been going through now for a few years. I’m a marble collector - Vintage, American machine-made glass toy marbles from the 1930s through the 1950s mostly. I have enjoyed finding, identifying, and displaying them. But after only about a year, I started questioning what on earth I am actually doing. Why am I an another Facebook marble site bidding on marble auctions? Why am I taking the time to scroll online auctions? Why am I buying yet ANOTHER Vitro Type 2 Tiger Eye marble? I can’t take it with me. If anything, all of these colorful glass spheres are going to just be a burden on my family. And the creepy part to realize is, human beings live and die, and marble collections (or any collections really)just keep getting passed from one to the next, because the marbles will persist. I dunno, maybe I’m nuts. Curious to hear what you think.
Man, I feel you. Just recently I talked with my colleagues about the purpose of life. A colleague said that everyone has to find their own purpose and do what makes them truly happy in life. I think the memories we make and the people we meet in our collecting journy will stick with us forever, not the hundred or maybe thousand of things we collect. At the end of the day we like to collect, but when it takes over the biggest part of your time or life, maybe we have to wonder what the purpose of it is and if it truly makes us happy. Thank you for sharing your story and thoughts!
I used to collect as a kid but I told my myself during my middle school year I'm too grown to be collecting toys and stop collecting completely. COVID-19 comes around and I started collecting again but I was just buying a bunch of random stuff so now I'm buying certain stuff I really like or rare stuff and selling the stuff I really don't care about.
Same. Oddly enough, I discovered toy hunting and toy collecting videos during the Pandemic. Damn that Matt Cardona! 😂😂 I just wish I knew HOW to collect when I started again. I was also picking up random stuff here and there. Finally, I got to the point where I sold stuff I no longer wanted. And trimmed down my collection to where it made sense.
Great video. You are very self aware and a strong person. I had a similar experience with stamp collecting. I would spend many hours in isolation buying stamps and constantly organizing them. I would drive myself crazy trying to complete sets and organize my collection perfectly. So much wasted money... but more importantly, my time. I have moved on now, but your video was a great reflection on how isolation can be so devastating
I've seen this video pop up in my feed a few times and have deliberately avoided it because I assumed it was going to be some kind of click bate or whatever. I'm glad I decided to watch this, you've put into words things that I've felt for a while now, thank you for being a real human talking about real things, this was a good video to watch.
Initially, I was not going to watch this video about quitting collecting toys because I wrongfully assumed it was going to be a typical rant of something to the effect of "I'm quitting because the toy company is making what I want" or "I can't find what I want." Nothing wrong for quitting for that reason, but I've watched more than my fair share of those types of video. That being said, I'm glad I clicked on this video because it's very emotional and shines the light on the darker side of toy collecting. I've been collecting for over 45 years, and I've experienced unhealthy collecting habits and attitudes that caused problems financially, emotionally and with family, so I do have an idea how Toypac is experiencing. I'm glad he recognizes his problems with toy collecting and has taken steps to get better. Best of luck Toypac!
Awesome video homie,very honest and truthful.I know I needed to hear that and for that I’m grateful.There is a fine line between collecting and obsession.Hoarding is what comes after you cross that line lol.Good job at figuring out what you need to do for yourself.A lot of us wade thru life without even achieving that or sometimes is too late.Now let’s end this in a cheerful note by saying welcome to a new direction in your life god bless homie and once again thanx for sharing .😄🤙
@@paundrabima5362 if you give away your collection to try to please people, what happens when those people let you down and leave you. you have nothing. you can give up everything to try to please people and they will still stab you in the back.
But if toys are THE Reason that their leaving you. Then you know it's a big problem. And the pursuit of meaningful relationships is far more important than tangible things. Don't prioritize toys over better things in life.
Figures aren't people though. I feel ya, people can be disappointing. I used to get mad about that. I though there were no dependable people in the world. But I just decided to put my energy into trying to be a dependable person for others, therefore making it a fact that trustworthy and loyal people exist, and that's all I could do. My figures can't introduce me to new experiences, show and earn my respect, remember me when I'm gone, bc they are inanimate objects. Important objects to ME, but no way near level of importance of value than even my worst relationship. Bc I learn something from people, about myself and others, and the world.
@@dcfanman0073 i only have bad painful memories from people. i have happy memories from toy hunting. i just watch cincy nerd if im ever feeling down. he's a great dad and i wish he was my dad.
Felt every word you said, thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. Definitely felt the pre-order fomo cause me stress in real time as I was spending time with loved ones.
I collect toys for nostalgia but more as a side thing on and off. It's because when I was younger there was so much I couldn't afford, but can now. What I do is go with smaller collections. I will have a theme in my mind then think of how I want it on the shelf, buy the things to fill that spot, then that collection/series is done. If a new thing comes out and there's no way to fit in in my space for that theme then I don't get it because I don't want my happy space to be cluttered feeling. Everything unboxed and posed, by the way! Both of my parents were truly awful hoarders and being buried in stuff is something I absolutely cannot stand. Even now I am still trying to organize and sell their excess. Seeing how stuff can get out of hand growing up, I am very well aware of how bad it can be but I think that has enabled me to have a healthier collection habit. Having said all that, your video is great to think on. Having somebody call things out and talk about problems like this is amazing for self reflection. Sometimes even those of us who think we have control can use such reminders. Great video, thank you.
Great video, bro. You really cooked. Collecting is something that, much like a vice, should be done in moderation and if it's a problem...then time for an intervention. I never really amped it up but I have come to a time where I realized there are figures in my collection that I don't care for as much as I used to. I'm working on minimizing my collection, not sure if I will quit anytime soon but if I do, so be it. I've come to a point where I'm really picky about what I'm choosing. Nothing wrong at all with slimming down or stopping at all. I wish you much peace and love.
I’m 61 and have been collecting since 1992. 32 years! That’s a long haul and quite a bit of coin. We have much in common regarding our formative experiences growing up and early adulthood. I can completely relate to your situation and support your decision to stop and, in essence, cull the herd. I'm pretty much there myself. I would love to see you make progress videos and perhaps document your decision-making process regarding what stays and what goes. Starting is always the hardest part, congratulations on taking that first step. I need to do that myself.
I agree that getting rid of a lot of the junk around you does make you feel better. Ive done it a few times and it does do something positive to your brain.
I'm right there with you. Taking control and action to address and remedy a problem always results in a sense of positivity and decreased stress/anxiety.
Thank you for sharing. I am going through the phase of not collecting anymore. I realize I have spent so much money on material things. I thought of selling but I have 2 bedrooms full and it’s overwhelming to even think about starting to get rid of things. Thank you again for sharing. My toys were a positive outcome of a not so fun childhood.
What always helps me is curating and selling stuff I don't intend to play and to try my best to have self control and not fall for FOMO bs. I think there's a thin line between a hobby and an addiction. Glad you're doing better bro. Just grab stuff you love and enjoy it, you're on the right track.
I fall into the same traps...gotta find and stick to a balance, though. I'm on my second collecting life right now. I had an old collection that I sold off in 2007 when I was about 31 myself...took a 10+ year break...then started back up in late 2017. I got burnt out back then, and I'm really trying to not let it happen again. It takes work, though! You have to keep an eye out for the triggers and not let yourself fall into a rut. It's a slippery slope, though.
Really great heartfelt video man, I was scrolling on my feed and tour video came up and I watched it start to finish, props to you for keeping it really real, im happy your looking to move on and be better, keep your head up and be free my friend, life is good. But for sure keep your favorites.
I actually started collecting expensive retro figurines at age 35ish. But I hated the imperfections, and also I noticed the plastic was breaking down. So I sold them all and haven’t looked back…
I’m not a toy collector, but I’ve been a comic book collector for years and years. As of recent, I’ve been selling off my collection, all high and low end books. A lot of what you spoke about has resonated deeply. I’ve got two toddlers, and life moves fast. As much as I have cherished my collection, family is first and I’ve been allocating my funds from selling back into the family. Much appreciated on putting out the raw content.
I'm the same as you and can definitely relate. I've sold off quite a lot of my collection over the past 10 years and I'm only really collecting stuff I really want now. Even though I still find myself having to fight FOMO and the urge to complete a set or buy the hottest figure just cause it's the hottest thing.
Appreciate you sharing your story. This hobby is a slippery slope and getting pricier as time goes on. I’ve been a collector for many years and you have to tell yourself you can’t get everything and collect responsibly. You gotta know your limits.
Love this, it resonates with me. I started listening to the Minimalists podcast and you said a lot of similar things to them about enjoying a simple real life.
appreciate you sharing! do you bro! im in limbo with collecting. been n up and down journey, but slowly working my way to collect only what I love. I also need to stop doubling and sometimes tripling up on figures!
Thank you for your honesty , I have an addictive nature when it comes to collecting . It’s hard when you know or think it brings you happiness when deep down you know it doesn’t all time. It becomes all consuming I watched a UA-cam. Review of a Hotwheels tooned Skyline and loved it so just paid over the odds from someone who probably paid £1.50 for it just because I went to every store in town and couldn’t find one and I want one. I have stopped before but somehow it creeps back in. I know it makes my partner unhappy but I just cannot stop myself. When you have so many you don’t know where they all are and it’s making you miserable then maybe I need to take a break , sell the bulk of them and just keep what I truly love. I needed this video today I don’t want to wake up in the morning and go straight onto eBay . Stay strong and do what makes you happy and if occasionally you buy something don’t beat yourself up over it.
Variety is key, I'm also a collector, I have Marvel Legends, McFarlane Toys, Yu-Gi-Oh Cards, Pokemon Cards, Sneakers, Blu-Ray Movies, PlayStation Games, Consoles, etc etc, but Family and Friends and Life should always be first, we only live for roughly 70 years, make the most of it, in the end we will just be a Memory, so make the most of people around you.
Thank you for making this video. This resonated with me a lot and recently I actually started to sell a lot of my collection before I watched this video, but this video gave me the push to accept that I was doing the right thing. That I needed to sell off my collection because it was getting too much.
I'm at that same stage right now I'm trying to stop right now I have various collections toys, comic books, movies , music, patches, cards and now I'm into pins you name it I would collect it but I'm tired of this life and of all these things kind of like hoarding but next Wednesday is my last purchase I already told my comic book store owner of my decision and they told me that they understand and wish me the best but I need to step away from collecting and take a breather and leave this type of life behind and live a new life with out all this burden in my life so I congratulations on your decision I really hope you all the best in life and you'll see that everything will be fine and even better in your life like you said you will take that weight off of your shoulders and enjoy your new life like I said best wishes bro a fellow ex-collector
Collecting may be an addiction but it's one of the healthier addictions. Believe me, I've been down a very dark road with alcohol, almost lost my life. It's all about balance and doing what makes you happy. Keep the toys and collectibles that bring you joy. And find other hobbies in life. God bless.
Right there with you. I have 5 totes in front of me to get rid of. It does consume you. It’s ridiculous. I’ve wasted to much time on this as well. Done. Good video.
I just recently took a 4 month break from collecting and sold my entire collection too. I just recently picked up some figures and I feel like I’m ready to start again but at an entirely slower rate so I can enjoy it more. Before I stopped I felt like I was just hoarding and not truly collecting, I want to do it over time and not have it consume my life! Someone will always sell that figure/collectible your after! Hope you come back after a break and find enjoyment with it again!
Great video. I’ve also felt like this many times, it has helped me thin out the bulk of my collection and just invest and collect what I really really like and that are also grails
I felt that part when you were talking about how we have some control over toys but not as much in our life, it makes sense to me about why we enjoy collecting toys 5:57
I think social media has encouraged or made normal the addiction. People flex posting pics of their horde and you feel you need to like and give some positive reinforcement. This makes people think its normal. If we are honest with each other, its not normal for grown men to spend decent money and time collecting plastic toys.
Well Brother, I watched your video and deem it worthy of comment. I too was in the place you are, i was 35 or 36. It was during the Pandemic, it was about Janurary 2021. I took my whole collection to a toy store in the city, and sold it. All of it, took it all and sold it. I didn't get much for it, maybe 300 for one big box and two medium size boxes. I have several reasons for doing this. The toys have been sitting for years, I have been moving alot and have not had a true place of my own to make a display for them. One time, a mouse got into of the boxes while it was in the garage and chewed on some of my unopen packages. The color on the figures started to fade. I googled and all action figures are made from the same type of oil that arrives in a barrel. I realized that I have boxes of oil then. Also, i read that this oil has a life span, from what I read it doesn't last forever. Essentially, I think I have action figures but what I really have is oil, if it were melted, it would essentially go back to what it originally was. Take all that as you will, y'all can research it yourselves. Next, I realized that most of the action figures I have are people of European decent. I am a brown person with dark hair, i realized I am playing with characters who are of European Decent and that the situations that these characters are in, I will probably never be in. These franchises will throw in a dark person every now and then to even out the roaster of the team but essentially the story is about a European person. I also realized it was marketing, a property is popular, we buy it, a similiar property is popular, we buy it. Next thing we know, we have a lot of merchandise from properties of big companies. I wish I could say these companies think of the child first, but really they just want to seel product, and that product is plastic, and that plastic is oil. We are essentially buying oil because it is packed in a way we find appealing. When I was younger, I was happy with just my small box of figures, but every time a new movie or tv show came out there would be new figures, then we would buy. Even as a kid i remember this stressing me out. Now as an adult it stressed me out. I was happy with what I owned. But I looked inside the box, and realized, these are all European people, I mean there is the darker team mate figure, but essentially this is a box of plastic european people. I realized now that I am older, I have never been a part of the world they inhabit, my mind and the way i think is not how they think, i do not get the same jobs, I do not have the same friends, if i lived the way they do, i am sure to get pulled over by the police. What I am saying is, I was living a pretend world that even if I wanted to, i was not actually going to be a part of. Some darker people get to participate in that world, but some don't. I realized whatever ticket i needed to be there, I didn't have. Sometimes I think these mining companies just package things so we can buy the raw materials. Copper, nickel, even gold, oil, wood, these are useless almost in their raw state but if packed correctly, then they are useful. Wood makes paper and construction products, copper for wires, nickel for electronics, gold for all sorts of applications, oil for gasoline and plastic products, but essentially when these things are in their raw form, they are in the ground, sitting there. I guess the same could be said for humans, essentially we are dirt, water, and minerals. I am not sure exactly how we come to life, what forces make that. So with all that, that is why I sold them. Do I regret it? Some days I miss them, not to lie. But it's been a few years now, and i don't see myself going back to the store and buying them again. My grandfather use to say, we take nothing with us. He is right. When we die, we die, nothing goes with us. We born naked, we die naked. The Counter to that is that some cultures believe we take possessions with us. They bury people with all their possessions. I sometimes I wonder, is this why people are rich, because in the last life they were buried with a lot of riches. That's getting real spiritual about the matter, and I cannot say for sure on it. What I can say, is that I just wanted peace. I like my room clean, I like it easy when I move that I just grab a few boxes. I like space to think. I like my mind uncluttered. I would not say giving them away or having them made me happy. I would say that not having them has brought me peace. I would say that when I was a kid, a small box was all I needed. I think through good marketing and ploys, companies got that small box to turn into several large boxes that caused me stress in various ways.
This is definitely real and i am experiencing it now. Trying to discipline myself with what i buy. I want them all bit do i need them all? No. Its definitely addicting. Another issue is the rising costs of these figures. You can spend thousands of dollars and one day ask yourself. Why did i buy all of these. Be selective.
I'm 38 year old & i think that collecting isn't bad, i had a huge collection of video games, anime dvd's & blu ray's & figure toys, i don't regret because I'm not gonna take a my money to my grave 🪦🪦, so i enjoy buying toys, video games & blu ray's & DVD's and i not gonna stop
Bravo to you for opening up, that’s always the biggest step. I myself have a very small collection of random things(not toys) but I can relate to the urge to want to own certain things to make up for other parts of life. Again bravo to you, I wish you the best in your journey of healing.
Great, great video. Collecting is almost always an addiction born out of an attempt to supplement and/or act as a surrogate for something missing in someone's life. It's pointless. It usually costs people money they don't have (lack of retirement, debt, etc.) and distracts people from more meaningful relationships and experiences. You figured it out, you get it, very happy for you. Truly.
Just complete your collection, there is only so many characters and *so* much display space before it runs out. At a certain point, it has to end. I've reached that end.
Mr> Patel... Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! One Thing Peter Walsh mentioned stuck with me... " If EVERYTHING Is special then NOTHING is special" Walsh did a show called CLEAN SWEEP where people who were overwhelmed with stuff moved it OUT ON THE LAWN & decided what to keep or toss... If you can find the show on the 'net, Walsh had some good points as to how people relate to their stuff.. Again thanks for sharing.. this may help many people... if you aren't having fun anymore it's Okay!! People change or they alter their path... Do what works for you!! As a 50 yr comic collector I get some of what you're saying... Take Care , be with your family, give 'em a hug!! Go someplace you've always wanted to go, or go visit somebody you've missed seeing!! Take Care!!
I've been collecting Battletech for 40 years. I enjoy painting the miniatures and inviting friends over and have tabletop game nights and painting workshops. I use all of my collections unlike most others that just sit on a shelf, which I got rid of to make room for more Battletech.
Brooo, felt. 🤜🤛 I can definitely relate to a lot of what you said. And I know it's an addiction. At the same time, sad to see you go, so to speak. But, happy for you as well. Don't quit your IG though man, just shift the focus of it. Anyway, I've thought about it a lot, not quitting, but purging a lot. And I've considered selling to a shop (for me it'd be Rogue since that's where I used to work), even though I could get more selling them myself. But, time and effort. So, we'll see. I gotta think on it some more.
I just started to realize that I only need the main characters like for example for wrestling I’m getting only the ones I love and need. It starts to become a waste if you just buying to complete a set or something
Thanks for sharing. I started recollecting my childhood toys around 24 years old and it was a struggle of going back and forth selling then buying it again lol. It is addicting! I have created a list and I have sold many of my toys and only keeping my favorites! I am now 35 and my collecting journey is almost over as I still have only 5 more toys to collect. Right now my priority is my family. I can always buy toys for my kids😅 Also vacation time is always important👍🏻 Just keep the favorites you have just to enjoy it! Don’t sell all of it. A focused collection is so much better then having so much toys. Enjoy life buddy!
You are absolutely right Sir, and until one realizes or accepts it...they will not be able to get the real grasps on Collecting. I used to buy 3 items a month, now its 1 item in 3 months.
Bien por ti amigo Me pasó lo mismo hace un par de años, tengho 46 años y esto se convirtió para mi en una obsesion. Comprar figuras que ni siquiera quería, tener un game/toy room, copn mas de 80 consolas de video juegos, mas de 500 figuras, mas de 2000 juegos, una locura. Decidi comenzar a vender todo e invertir mi dinero en algo más util... con parte del dinero amplié mi casa, construí una hermosa cocina para mi esposa y bueno, queremos viajar. Bien por ti amigo, no debemos sentir apego por las cosas de plástico, nada nos llevaremos, sin embargo el dinero invertido ahi si puede generar recuerdos inolvidables con tu familia. Las memorias de mi niñez siempre estarán ahi, no necesito un mono de plastico que mas recuerde. Saludos!
I got into hobbies (in particular card collecting )...not for the things, but to connect with people. I felt lonely. I wanted to be apart of something. But i can see how this can turn into an addiction. Balance is needed. Take care of yourself! Dont be hard on yourself.
I fully understand where you’re coming from - Especially finding a claim in toys and a comfort. My issue now is I’m starting to not feel enjoyment or value in the items I buy unless it’s something from hot toys or something from my past that I allayed wanted as a kid This mainly happens with new releases. I’m currently twenty six and I’m debating if I want to start streamline almost all my collection and keep the absolute favourites.
I collect Transformers, G.I joe, Marvel legends, Mythic legions. Collecting doesn't mean you need ALL of them, that's the problem with some people. Some guys army build and that's when I see the addiction without even knowing how many toys they have. I understand the rationalization you are trying to give out but collecting is meant to be fun. You might have something deeper going on that is causing challenges with collecting.
I sold a lot of things I owned in 2011 and moved out of the USA. It felt good to reduce my useless things... but I also felt the pull of the things I regretted selling and hunted down waya to get those few things back. I have since bought new things as well, but with far more caution and thought. I never care about completing a set or army building like some do [which I respect and understand]. I just know what I like and try to think over how much I actually want something versus just fascination of seeing something new. Watching toy reviews and videos helps me see what I really want versus what is just a passing interest.
When I was a kid I grew up on section 8, food stamps and food banks.
I never had toys. Now I collect my toys to reconnect to my lost childhood.
Now my sons are into my favorite hobbies. Scale models, Legos, warhammer and gundam.
Life is a dream.
I was brought up in woman's refuges and emergency housing, didn't have a childhood really but at 51 I enjoy collecting toys and sharing with my son. It all worked out for me too.
I have a ton of models out right now for a personal project. As much as I’m not wanting to, it warms my heart that they want to grab a bunch and paint them.
Yeah, similar situation. My Dad always denied me toys as a kid. I had to beg him to buy me just one at the store. He would buy it a week later, and sometimes it would go out of stock, and I'd miss out. We weren't even poor he was just cheap and thought I would get over it. So when I started making my own money, I bought whatever the hell I wanted.
You are awesome. How did you lift yourself up?
Similar here. Only difference is now that I have the money to enjoy hobbies, my kids literally could not care any less about toys, Legos, models, cool cars, knives, or any of my interests!
...Oh well, I'm still happy!
I’m 45, been through multiple waves of collecting and taking a break. Do what brings you peace and happiness. Good luck.
If I had a dollar for every time............
@@ernestmuric6719please finish the sentence I’m curious on how many dollars you’d have
I'm 45 and stopped collecting comics n video games years ago. I joined the Army, traveled the world, fought in wars, etc. Got out in 2010 and came back to collecting. There's a time and place for everything. You are a young man,and it's time to reflect and move forward. You can still buy toys now and then. But yes,socialize n get your life where you want it. When you are ready to come back, the toys will still be there waiting for ya. And you won't have to stress as much. FOMO is a killer. For sure. You are making a great choice for your future. I've seen people who collect so much,that they live alone with no friends just cats,and all thier things. We don't want to live like that.
@@jamesgavin8366 I’m 67,000 years old and I do this for fun
@@saladinbryant3653 wise words!
Definitely have felt every bit of emotion you have bro, sometimes I’d lay in bed and think why am I spending money on plastic that won’t come with me when I die. I have sold stuff and spent that money on experience life with family. Now I buy toys for me and my son, I collect very selectively and ensure that I prioritize my mental health first over any hobby. Thank you for posting this and being so vulnerable! Much love brother
It’s a hobby but unlike booze or weed you can always resell it and make some money back. For drinking or drugs that money is gone. Not to mention bad on your body. So there are definitely worse vices out there.
What hobby can you take to the grave? The only thing you take to the grave is your regrets and the close that the caretaker will dress on you. I guess you had an obsessive disorder that is a bit diferent from healthy collecting
To be technical, you don’t really take anything with you to the grave. When you die, so does your memories and experiences.
@@ilikepancakes2368 jeez dark man well if you make art or have kids behind then you leave a part of yourself to live on in the world so to speak. Not literally you, but your legacy/lasting impact.
@@laughslapproductions4690 This is like the sweet temptation that gets you in or keeps you going with the hobby. Reality is that it is not so easy to resell. The entire act of selling can be stressful. Some buyers try to scam you, some try to haggle it down to nothing etc. But, there is definitely the silver lining that it doesn’t outright damage your organs or brain cells, so there is that difference for sure. I think the key point is that buying toys like anything else in life has to be moderated.
Life-long toy collector here (with a few a few breaks here and there) and I truly appreciate your honesty and candor on this difficult topic. Another UA-camr said recently his toy collection: "Is about memories...it can increase joy or pull him out of a funk." Which is true BUT many collectors, myself at times too, have gone too far and it can be unexcesary stress, financial burden and distance between yourself and family.
I suppose its about balance but we have to remember, its not the end of the world of we can't acquire something. There were toys I wanted desperately then totally forgot about later on. Crazy how it works.
Golden statement "Its not the end of the world", Literally they often remake the same figure, change the paint and body mold and boom second or third chance to buy what came out 4-5 years ago. For instance look how many White outfit Storm costumes have been released since 2019. A retro card back, the vhs cel-shaded version, the mafex and X-men 97 Mohawk wave. Literally 4 chances to get virtually the same figure within a 4 year span. I've been practicing putting it out of my mind. Like The new Cable and Warbird figures being sold out everywhere is kind of annoying me, but Its not the end of the world. Eventually they will restock and I'll get lucky.
Agreed 100%. It's part of the industry, of course...if a company is gonna invest all that capital to tool and sculpt a character, they sure as hell are gonna amoritze it to make back their investment with slight repaint, variants, etc 👍
I agree with the 1 toy thing. It always felt special having just some toys. Now that I have so many they begin to lose their appeal.
I feel ya. I love action figures cuz they are like posable sculptures. But if you got so many you don't really appreciate the art of them cuz there's so many and they are bunched close together.
I totally understand that. Some new things I thought i would love endlessly I'll touch once or haven't open yet. That let's me know it's time to take a pause for the cause.
That, and I think it also has to do with the frequency of how many new versions are coming out recently, so the older ones lose their appeal. "Woah, this Spider-man figure is great"... "Nvm... the new one that is coming out next year is even better" aaaand it's and endless cycle.
Not me listening to this halfway while driving to a store to pick up some toys at a discounted rate😂😂😂
beautiful
😂😂😂
😂
grow up
Never grow up mate.
Happy collecting to you.
Im in the same boat but I have Christ he gives me the peace an Anchor in life that toys and collectibles can’t there only temporary earthy things they won’t fill void in your hearts
Amen bro, only Jesus can give us this purpose, and healing. 🙏
Turning 40 and started collecting again last year. It’s all about discipline and reevaluating what you love vs like. Do what makes you happy. You don’t have to care what people think. For me the collecting addiction has kept me from drinking. It’s become too much for me but I’ve slowed down and will only buy what I love and stop with the completionist stuff.
1) do what makes you happy
2) dont care what others think.
Did you even listen to what the man was saying?
He opened up on how the toy habit is an ineffective Band-Aid over a large pain/trauma and that over years he believes it has hindered him from having more meaningful relationships/experiences with friends or family.
Sesh dude, no where did he say he feels pressured to not collect toys.
Yo Iam 45 and collecting slowed my drug addiction big time, yes I can see why people say I swapped one for the other but atleast I got stuff to sell instead of it disapearing. I hear ya.
@@jackrussell3084 The man above said that it helped deal with a worse addiction and that he also slowed down with the replacement, so I don’t see the issue here.
Completion-ist stuff? Ohhhh… wait until you hear about comic books 😀
On a second note, I think trauma does play a role, because a hobby replaces trauma but then once the hobby serves it's purpose maybe it's time to shed the skin and grow. Like a crab, the shell protects, but once it had done it's job and the crab has grown, it's time to look for a new shell. I feel like hobbies are a spiritual shell, just like how a house and a car are physical shells.
I'm 51 I'm just started collecting two years ago, I never thought of this Hobbie like an addiction! Reading so many comments of people talking about this like an issue amazed me. I don't think I'm addicted, but I can see how this situation can become a problem. I wish you luck for everybody an it's wonderful to speak about this. It's the first step to control our behavior
But its bad for the toy industry. Many people rely on this guy for job security. He needs to be more materialistic to be happy. Otherwise he will be sad and start a more dangerous addiction like smoking crack. He is probably thinking about quitting because someone made fun of him and now he wants to prove to someone that he isn't a nerd and that he can be one of the cool kids too. It's sickening. He has to like himself the way he is. It's part of life: accept that you are not able to achieve everything you wish and that this hobby is here to keep your calm.
It's so easy to buy stuff now...just bc I'm bored. Lol I'm glad my lack of finances has slowed me down. I dont really want a massive collection.
The problem firstly comes when you become a completionist where you need everything from certain series and so on.
I think the reason you probably don't understand is because you're fairly new . I started collecting in 2005 and I kinda understand this, dude . I mainly collect vintage stuff, and I pretty much accumulated all the stuff I want. The problem I see now is that a lot of vintage stuff has gone up in price and I have a 4 year old son that has become priority 1.Now, I don't really have time like I use to. Don't get me wrong, I still love toys, but I don't really have the desire to obtain super expensive rare pieces or anything .
It's all arbitrary. No one blinks if you spend 100 k on a camper or a boat but if you spend a few grand a year on collectible it's an addiction. Boo. Do what you love.
20 year old female collector here.
Always wondered if my childhood full of bullying and depression caused me my love and passion for collecting stuff. Then at the age of 16 I got diagnosed with asperger syndrome, autism. Another option came in. Is it cause I'm weird that I have to compensate my loneliness with plastic I find appealing? Maybe. I collected toys ever since my childhood. Always kept everything in perfect condition and enjoyed displaying stuff. Started with my many many dolls. When I was 9-10 I became a huge fangirl of the Doctor Who and wanted all kinds of figures from the show. Later got into superhero and anime figures, which still continues. And in the last few years got back to collecting dolls again....I can confirm from my side that collecting did definitely caused my at least a bit of a addiction. I may not be the completiontist type who needs every single character from every set, but once something new caughts my attention, I instantly want some of it. Good example - my new interest in Tokusatsu media. Watched just a little, but already ordered 3 figures and already want this Ultraman and that Ultraman in THAT suit....like....I do sometimes wonder if these things will ever fill the lonely hole in my heart. I have severe problem with communicating with others, being around others. My social skills really suck. Always prefer being by myself. The diagnose at least confirmed something for me.
Anyways, really enjoyed your video and your opinion on this topic and why you think collecting may be a serious problem for some people. It's good to keep a balance between things you really want to have and love and something you like just because you wanna feel satisfaction. It's also important to ask yourself why you want to buy/collect this specific thing. What's it really for you? That's the question.
I just never buy anything unless I absolutely love everything about it, I like certain shows that have figure lines and I don’t even pick them up cuz they don’t look absolutely perfect or really cool, there’s a Sh figurarts Naruto line and I don’t absolutely love it but I still had an itch to buy it all eventually, the real reason is because I watched it all in 2021 with a friend I haven’t talked to or seen since then, yeah you basically get the point I wanted to fill that void of wanting to be friends with him still but I distanced myself cuz of life problems but that that time has moved on I just haven’t done what I’m telling u to do (accept myself) also with feeling lonley learn to accept yourself, appreciate yourself and stop caring so much about stuff that give you negative thoughts, don’t give those things that your valuing making you suffer in the present value, I don’t like to dwell on it and instead appreciate what I have and what I can change for the better after I learned to accept myself and things around me
Can I be your boyfriend ❤
“You can check out anytime you like but you can never leave”
you can definitely leave if your will is strong enough. With God we can do anything...i'm rooting for you guys!
*epic guitar solo starts playing
Damn.. all this psychologie behind collecting sure takes out the fun for me...Not!
No way i,m giving up my collection.
Made my social life even better because everyone wants to see it.
Thinking of opening a gallery or something and expand big time.
I agree like it has been addiction for me. Sometimes like I find myself obsessed with it on my phone looking for the next thing never being satisfied with what I have and I keep buying buying. I have a new born coming and when you said you can’t take this with us that hit me hard bro.
Your life is about to change once you become a parent. Your priorities are gone change .
Thank u so much for sharing. Much needed in the community. Bringing awareness to metal health and how collecting affects us is so important. Wishing u the very best on ur journey.
I appreciate you being so open, this is definitely something I don't see many people talk about in the community. I'm 19 and over the past few years I've spent hundreds and likely thousands collecting figures. I've had thoughts about how that money could've been better used elsewhere helping my family or even just prioritizing necessities. I've fallen down the rabbithole of placing preorders, using pay in 4 plans to have figures even though I couldn't afford them at the moment, etc. I resonate with some of the other things you said in this video, like buying things just for the sake of the dopamine despite not even wanting the item. I've downsized my collection significantly and I want to continue to since I have more than I'm comfortable with. I also began unfollowing social media accounts about toy news and collecting since I feel like seeing them are a major trigger for me. I'm still young, but I definitely have other priorities that I should pay attention to. I really needed to hear this. Thank you and I wish you luck
Came to the same realization as you at about the same time in my life. I was trying to relive a time in my life when I was happy, chasing nostalgia is a helluva drug.
I love videos like this. I think it's so important for us to regularly assess where we are psychologically and emotionally with this hobby because it's all too easy to get caught in the empty cycle of buying more and more but feeling less satisfied. I wish collectors were more vocal about topics like this (even if they aren't quitting collecting) just to maintain a healthy outlook and balance
Thanks for making this video, Vimal. I think, like so many toy collectors, the hobby brought me joy when i had a loney, isolated childhood and the hatred of school and the people at school.
Seriously, a brave, poignant video and much appreciated. I'm 41 and i too am looking back on my life with a heavy heart and alot of regret.
With the ridiculous prices these days I'm surprised that ANYONE still collects.. I stopped years ago.
Unless you’re a millionaire, collect them all right?
It's super expensive anymore...
Most of the figures I've bought are bc they were on some kind of sale or discount. I rarely buy a figure at full price unless I really really want it or if I know that if I don't it will be more expensive on the secondary market. So yeah, I get what you're saying
The ridiculous prices and the oversaturation of products and product lines has turned me off from collecting. I seldom buy collectibles anymore and I've collected for over 20 years. It just doesn't have the appeal anymore to me.
Wow bro. I just saw this video after deciding to also stop collecting. As time went on I felt more detached from reality and definitely felt FOMO. Glad someone is talking about something many of us may not have considered. God bless, peace love and prosperity to you on your journey.
Man, this video got me staring at the bathroom wall like... I listened to every word. Thank you, and God bless 🙏
Stumbled across this video because it was fed to me by UA-cam and had to watch because I'm in the same boat of sorts and this really hit home. I have all the same thoughts: emptiness / lack of purpose to collecting, dopamine addiction, FOMO; all of it. I don't think I'll ever stop collecting completely, but I've curtailed my collecting and my collection immensely. And it definitely feels better. I'm getting more joy out of selling everything than I did in acquiring it 😆
I just sold a bunch of my stuff to a toy store. I got way less than what I paid, but…..it felt good to purge. It was pure anxiety keeping things in totes, knowing I’d probably never display them, ever. It’s a burden. It’s cool to have a few things around the house to display our fandom, but that’s it. No matter how much we try and connect with our childhood memories, we can never go back. Make new memories. Good vid.
@@Matty_Rad amen friend
Brother I have been collecting toys for basically my whole life. To answer your question about what the meaning of life is, I have learned that it is to know God and to make God known. Even if you quit collecting, there will still be something in you that is empty. I know this because I stopped for a while, but while I stopped I found that Jesus is the only one who can truly satisfy. God bless you brother.
God bless bro
Man it’s so crazy that your saying this, I’m trying to move closer to Jesus and wondering about my hobbies and then this video pops up out of nowhere. God is amazing and having a personal relationship with Jesus is the most important thing.
Facts, and he’s the number one Super Hero.
Corny 🌽
@@donnykiin GOD Bless you
I've been a collector for about 12 years now and have to say the hobby has been holding me back. I need to move back to Europe, but have developed an attachment to my collection that it is delaying the process. Be it not being able to sell, or being reeled back in by new releases from the Figure sites, UA-cam reviewers, and ebay. Its really hard, but it is a neccesary sacrifice to block myself from these sites. Realizing it's an addiction is important. Hopefully I can get over this hump as well. I truly believe in "out of sight, out of mind" since it's worked in the past for me personally. Thanks so much this video helped
Thank you for sharing your story, I have drastically scaled back on my collecting. I sold a bunch of my collection recently and I feel like a weight has been lifted. My family and responsibilities come first, then my hobbies. There is only so much space and so curation is paramount. Collecting used to stress me out sometimes. Now it’s fun like it’s supposed to be.
I've been feeling the same way for a long time now man, your words have definitely helped me out a lot. I'm only 20 and it's been an outlet for dopamine and it's kinda consuming all my space and alot of my time. The part where you said "let's go check target" really hits home man. I wish you luck on your journey and thanks for helping me take the first step in mine.
me and my old man didn't have the greatest relationship growing up, i didn't like, having to go over to his house for the summer, as a kid, it was hot and boring, and he was the Stern silent type makin me study all day, but one summer in my teens, i came across his huge collection of toys and figures, and it was impressive, from dbz figures, tech decks, model cars, star wars, marvel, etc. and we suddenly had a whole lot to talk about. he even helped me start my 1st collection. have you ever thought about saving your collection and one day, use the "plastic" to play with your own kids, and make friendship with them?
Same here with me and my scary old man. I didn't realize how much of the same stuff we liked or knew how much peace it brought him until the end.
I have scaled back my collecting, and have felt great about it.
You’re right.I am selling off my favorite action figures because food is more important than plastic.
So I’m 48 and may not collect figures but have substantial collections of other things. I decided after a breakup 6 years ago to focus on my health and other things, especially dating and focusing on family. Best thing I ever did. I have not sold my collections and now am getting back but I’m a balanced way. You can do that as well but I’m happy for you. Your best years are ahead of you brotha!
@@RO-pg9hw ty so much
...people collect toys to try and recapture their youth, but the fun part wasn't owning the toy, it was playing with the toy, by yourself and with friends. You gotta bust them out of their plastic cell and play with them, take pictures, do dioramas, let your kids play with them, that's how you build new fun memories, that;s the point of having toys. A box on a wall is just depressing.
This is the correct answer.
Agreed. I am amazed how some you often you see people sell completely sell of their collection with many figures being MIB or only been “on display”.
I’ve always seen action figure collecting as a fun hobby and a way to find quick moments of happiness and excitement of finding the newest thing. I’m 21 now, and by the end of my teens I started to realize that collecting is endless and in reality you should only get what you like. Sure, collecting can become addictive and affect your relationships with others but I think there’s a middle ground by prioritizing what’s important and recognizing when too much is too much. In this online age, it’s becoming easier to ship figures making no need for constant trips to target or Walmart. Just take your time with collecting things and be more selective of what you get. To sum up, collecting is what you make it to be and no one but you is controlling what you buy. Who cares if you can’t get the latest Spider-Man? You might see it again next year a little bit more expensive. And if you’re not willing to pay that price for it, do you really want it in the first place? I also hope to one day connect with my kids over my collection, and if they respond well to it, there’s another positive. Either way, if you enjoy doing it and it’s not hurting you or others in your life, keep enjoying it. Just remember to prioritize what is most important.
Personally, my only issue with collecting is the space 😅 when you’re close to needing a storage unit, you know it’s really getting out of hand.
I agree with everything you said man and I've been trying to quit it's an addiction but I've been slowing down, collecting was something that brought me peace and enjoyment since I'm not a very social person but now it's just stressful and kind of shameful having to sneak stuff in without it being seen
You dont take any with you but as long as you live and you see them close to you they fill you out with positive energy, it all comes down on how you balance it
The first time I quit collecting toys I was 16. I told myself I was entering the "adult world". I didn't need that stuff anymore. I'm 51 now. And I have quit collecting toys many times, Now just called it purging. Because it always comes back. Something is always going to pull you back in.
I wish you all the strength that I don't have. But if you say you're now only gonna be a minimal collector. That's like an alcoholic going into a bar and saying he's only gonna have one drink from now on. It just doesn't work that way. I have filled an entire room just cherry picking. It's just who we are. But I wish you luck.
Buying toys is not even closely compared to alcoholism. FFS.
@@scottishdude9682 OK. It's like going into a casino and saying you're only going to play one hand of Black Jack. It's like saying you only going to smoke one cigarette after quitting for only a day. It's like going to Pornhub and saying you're only going to watch 1 video. Or it's like saying you're going to take one Oxycodone just for the pain.
Take your pick. My point was... addiction is addiction. Anything that stimulates the pleasure senses can become a dependency. Have some compassion for others.
Sounds like something somebody whos addicted to toys would say@@scottishdude9682
right lol 😂i can buy a toy and not get a dui
Good points made here. I would also add, if not toys, what? We all have a collecting bug in us, if we stop toys does it become watches, coins, video games, guns, books? For some of us, it's a hard wired behavior that brings a certain level of satisfaction.
I like to collect jerseys, hats, sneakers, funko pops, diecast cars and a few other things. But I don’t have a huge collection. I only buy things that I truly like. I can see how one can get carried away and become addicted to collecting. The fact that you are able to recognize your addiction and all the negatives that come with that addiction, is great. Blessings to you brother! 🙏🏽
It does appear the hobby became an addiction. I praise you for having recognized this. It's the first step. Don't feel bad you stopped an addictive behavior/substance. It feels wrong now but you will be infinitely happier soon. Stay strong.
It’s crazy how you can stumble across a video or vlog that is relatable to what you’re going through. The fatigue is real man. I think a lot of people are having similar thoughts. The market is overwhelming and to a point where it’s not fun anymore. Once the hobby becomes more than anything enjoyable, it’s time to make changes. When I started “collecting” as a hobby, I tried to make a rule of only getting characters that had special meaning. It helped with not trying to buy everything. But even then, so many properties are being used by so many companies. You can’t have one definitive version of a character or enjoy it because the other guy is making one cooler. Kinda rambling off… The scalping and distribution problems killed the hunt and preordering doesn’t even fully guarantee your order. And exclusives have definitely ruined a lot of excitement. It really isn’t much fun anymore. I had already took a break from modern toys and started collecting vintage toys I had growing up. That brought back a lot of excitement. But again, there’s a level to that niche that brings on negative energy. I hope the break does you well. You’re definitely not alone at these crossroads. Thank you for sharing!
I both had no idea what was going on with me nor knew I was not the only one going through it until I saw this and read these comments.
Collector here as well. Mcfarlane action figures to be specific, I'll have to be honest it has become an addiction. I used to hang my collection on the wall and went into depression when I decided to store them in the closet. I can't head straight to work without stopping by an bestbuy gamestop or target. I can't stay off of Amazon and ebay. To be honest I have to find a way to end it..
Goodluck brother
Yeah just save some you want n get rid of rest I have over 800 hot wheels got it down 200 and feel way better and still trying to trim down collection it's hard but it just gets overwhelming
I totally relate to how you feel. I just finished high school and I realized that I didn't have a social life at all and i missed out on a lot of the stereotypical high school experiences because I was so focused on customizing and collecting toys. As I move forward with my life I definitely need to prioritize hanging out with my friends and spend less time and money focused on figures.
Vimal, you have made a video about much of what I’ve been going through now for a few years. I’m a marble collector - Vintage, American machine-made glass toy marbles from the 1930s through the 1950s mostly. I have enjoyed finding, identifying, and displaying them. But after only about a year, I started questioning what on earth I am actually doing. Why am I an another Facebook marble site bidding on marble auctions? Why am I taking the time to scroll online auctions? Why am I buying yet ANOTHER Vitro Type 2 Tiger Eye marble? I can’t take it with me. If anything, all of these colorful glass spheres are going to just be a burden on my family.
And the creepy part to realize is, human beings live and die, and marble collections (or any collections really)just keep getting passed from one to the next, because the marbles will persist.
I dunno, maybe I’m nuts. Curious to hear what you think.
Man, I feel you.
Just recently I talked with my colleagues about the purpose of life. A colleague said that everyone has to find their own purpose and do what makes them truly happy in life.
I think the memories we make and the people we meet in our collecting journy will stick with us forever, not the hundred or maybe thousand of things we collect. At the end of the day we like to collect, but when it takes over the biggest part of your time or life, maybe we have to wonder what the purpose of it is and if it truly makes us happy.
Thank you for sharing your story and thoughts!
I used to collect as a kid but I told my myself during my middle school year I'm too grown to be collecting toys and stop collecting completely. COVID-19 comes around and I started collecting again but I was just buying a bunch of random stuff so now I'm buying certain stuff I really like or rare stuff and selling the stuff I really don't care about.
Same. Oddly enough, I discovered toy hunting and toy collecting videos during the Pandemic. Damn that Matt Cardona! 😂😂 I just wish I knew HOW to collect when I started again. I was also picking up random stuff here and there. Finally, I got to the point where I sold stuff I no longer wanted. And trimmed down my collection to where it made sense.
Great video. You are very self aware and a strong person. I had a similar experience with stamp collecting. I would spend many hours in isolation buying stamps and constantly organizing them. I would drive myself crazy trying to complete sets and organize my collection perfectly. So much wasted money... but more importantly, my time. I have moved on now, but your video was a great reflection on how isolation can be so devastating
I've seen this video pop up in my feed a few times and have deliberately avoided it because I assumed it was going to be some kind of click bate or whatever.
I'm glad I decided to watch this, you've put into words things that I've felt for a while now, thank you for being a real human talking about real things, this was a good video to watch.
@@axel.1358 really appreciate that
Initially, I was not going to watch this video about quitting collecting toys because I wrongfully assumed it was going to be a typical rant of something to the effect of "I'm quitting because the toy company is making what I want" or "I can't find what I want." Nothing wrong for quitting for that reason, but I've watched more than my fair share of those types of video. That being said, I'm glad I clicked on this video because it's very emotional and shines the light on the darker side of toy collecting. I've been collecting for over 45 years, and I've experienced unhealthy collecting habits and attitudes that caused problems financially, emotionally and with family, so I do have an idea how Toypac is experiencing. I'm glad he recognizes his problems with toy collecting and has taken steps to get better. Best of luck Toypac!
Awesome video homie,very honest and truthful.I know I needed to hear that and for that I’m grateful.There is a fine line between collecting and obsession.Hoarding is what comes after you cross that line lol.Good job at figuring out what you need to do for yourself.A lot of us wade thru life without even achieving that or sometimes is too late.Now let’s end this in a cheerful note by saying welcome to a new direction in your life god bless homie and once again thanx for sharing .😄🤙
what happens when people leave you? the one constant i have is collecting. people come and go but toys will never leave you.
good for you, but I think you missed the point of this video
@@paundrabima5362 if you give away your collection to try to please people, what happens when those people let you down and leave you. you have nothing. you can give up everything to try to please people and they will still stab you in the back.
But if toys are THE Reason that their leaving you. Then you know it's a big problem. And the pursuit of meaningful relationships is far more important than tangible things. Don't prioritize toys over better things in life.
Figures aren't people though. I feel ya, people can be disappointing. I used to get mad about that. I though there were no dependable people in the world. But I just decided to put my energy into trying to be a dependable person for others, therefore making it a fact that trustworthy and loyal people exist, and that's all I could do. My figures can't introduce me to new experiences, show and earn my respect, remember me when I'm gone, bc they are inanimate objects. Important objects to ME, but no way near level of importance of value than even my worst relationship. Bc I learn something from people, about myself and others, and the world.
@@dcfanman0073 i only have bad painful memories from people. i have happy memories from toy hunting. i just watch cincy nerd if im ever feeling down. he's a great dad and i wish he was my dad.
Felt every word you said, thank you for your honesty and vulnerability. Definitely felt the pre-order fomo cause me stress in real time as I was spending time with loved ones.
I collect toys for nostalgia but more as a side thing on and off. It's because when I was younger there was so much I couldn't afford, but can now. What I do is go with smaller collections. I will have a theme in my mind then think of how I want it on the shelf, buy the things to fill that spot, then that collection/series is done. If a new thing comes out and there's no way to fit in in my space for that theme then I don't get it because I don't want my happy space to be cluttered feeling. Everything unboxed and posed, by the way!
Both of my parents were truly awful hoarders and being buried in stuff is something I absolutely cannot stand. Even now I am still trying to organize and sell their excess. Seeing how stuff can get out of hand growing up, I am very well aware of how bad it can be but I think that has enabled me to have a healthier collection habit.
Having said all that, your video is great to think on. Having somebody call things out and talk about problems like this is amazing for self reflection. Sometimes even those of us who think we have control can use such reminders. Great video, thank you.
Great video, bro. You really cooked. Collecting is something that, much like a vice, should be done in moderation and if it's a problem...then time for an intervention. I never really amped it up but I have come to a time where I realized there are figures in my collection that I don't care for as much as I used to. I'm working on minimizing my collection, not sure if I will quit anytime soon but if I do, so be it. I've come to a point where I'm really picky about what I'm choosing. Nothing wrong at all with slimming down or stopping at all. I wish you much peace and love.
I’m 61 and have been collecting since 1992. 32 years! That’s a long haul and quite a bit of coin. We have much in common regarding our formative experiences growing up and early adulthood. I can completely relate to your situation and support your decision to stop and, in essence, cull the herd. I'm pretty much there myself.
I would love to see you make progress videos and perhaps document your decision-making process regarding what stays and what goes. Starting is always the hardest part, congratulations on taking that first step. I need to do that myself.
I agree that getting rid of a lot of the junk around you does make you feel better. Ive done it a few times and it does do something positive to your brain.
I'm right there with you. Taking control and action to address and remedy a problem always results in a sense of positivity and decreased stress/anxiety.
Thank you for sharing. I am going through the phase of not collecting anymore. I realize I have spent so much money on material things. I thought of selling but I have 2 bedrooms full and it’s overwhelming to even think about starting to get rid of things. Thank you again for sharing. My toys were a positive outcome of a not so fun childhood.
I stopped buying modern stuff. I just kept the ones that are from my childhood. It made me content, happy and at peace
What always helps me is curating and selling stuff I don't intend to play and to try my best to have self control and not fall for FOMO bs. I think there's a thin line between a hobby and an addiction. Glad you're doing better bro. Just grab stuff you love and enjoy it, you're on the right track.
I fall into the same traps...gotta find and stick to a balance, though. I'm on my second collecting life right now. I had an old collection that I sold off in 2007 when I was about 31 myself...took a 10+ year break...then started back up in late 2017. I got burnt out back then, and I'm really trying to not let it happen again. It takes work, though! You have to keep an eye out for the triggers and not let yourself fall into a rut. It's a slippery slope, though.
Really great heartfelt video man, I was scrolling on my feed and tour video came up and I watched it start to finish, props to you for keeping it really real, im happy your looking to move on and be better, keep your head up and be free my friend, life is good. But for sure keep your favorites.
I actually started collecting expensive retro figurines at age 35ish. But I hated the imperfections, and also I noticed the plastic was breaking down. So I sold them all and haven’t looked back…
I’m not a toy collector, but I’ve been a comic book collector for years and years. As of recent, I’ve been selling off my collection, all high and low end books. A lot of what you spoke about has resonated deeply. I’ve got two toddlers, and life moves fast. As much as I have cherished my collection, family is first and I’ve been allocating my funds from selling back into the family. Much appreciated on putting out the raw content.
I'm the same as you and can definitely relate. I've sold off quite a lot of my collection over the past 10 years and I'm only really collecting stuff I really want now. Even though I still find myself having to fight FOMO and the urge to complete a set or buy the hottest figure just cause it's the hottest thing.
Appreciate you sharing your story. This hobby is a slippery slope and getting pricier as time goes on. I’ve been a collector for many years and you have to tell yourself you can’t get everything and collect responsibly. You gotta know your limits.
Love this, it resonates with me. I started listening to the Minimalists podcast and you said a lot of similar things to them about enjoying a simple real life.
appreciate you sharing! do you bro! im in limbo with collecting. been n up and down journey, but slowly working my way to collect only what I love. I also need to stop doubling and sometimes tripling up on figures!
Thank you for your honesty , I have an addictive nature when it comes to collecting . It’s hard when you know or think it brings you happiness when deep down you know it doesn’t all time. It becomes all consuming I watched a UA-cam. Review of a Hotwheels tooned Skyline and loved it so just paid over the odds from someone who probably paid £1.50 for it just because I went to every store in town and couldn’t find one and I want one. I have stopped before but somehow it creeps back in. I know it makes my partner unhappy but I just cannot stop myself. When you have so many you don’t know where they all are and it’s making you miserable then maybe I need to take a break , sell the bulk of them and just keep what I truly love. I needed this video today I don’t want to wake up in the morning and go straight onto eBay . Stay strong and do what makes you happy and if occasionally you buy something don’t beat yourself up over it.
Variety is key, I'm also a collector, I have Marvel Legends, McFarlane Toys, Yu-Gi-Oh Cards, Pokemon Cards, Sneakers, Blu-Ray Movies, PlayStation Games, Consoles, etc etc, but Family and Friends and Life should always be first, we only live for roughly 70 years, make the most of it, in the end we will just be a Memory, so make the most of people around you.
Thank you for making this video. This resonated with me a lot and recently I actually started to sell a lot of my collection before I watched this video, but this video gave me the push to accept that I was doing the right thing. That I needed to sell off my collection because it was getting too much.
I'm at that same stage right now I'm trying to stop right now I have various collections toys, comic books, movies , music, patches, cards and now I'm into pins you name it I would collect it but I'm tired of this life and of all these things kind of like hoarding but next Wednesday is my last purchase I already told my comic book store owner of my decision and they told me that they understand and wish me the best but I need to step away from collecting and take a breather and leave this type of life behind and live a new life with out all this burden in my life so I congratulations on your decision I really hope you all the best in life and you'll see that everything will be fine and even better in your life like you said you will take that weight off of your shoulders and enjoy your new life like I said best wishes bro a fellow ex-collector
Collecting may be an addiction but it's one of the healthier addictions. Believe me, I've been down a very dark road with alcohol, almost lost my life.
It's all about balance and doing what makes you happy. Keep the toys and collectibles that bring you joy. And find other hobbies in life. God bless.
Once a collector, always a collector! The smart ones usually become dealers!
Right there with you. I have 5 totes in front of me to get rid of. It does consume you. It’s ridiculous. I’ve wasted to much time on this as well. Done. Good video.
I just recently took a 4 month break from collecting and sold my entire collection too. I just recently picked up some figures and I feel like I’m ready to start again but at an entirely slower rate so I can enjoy it more. Before I stopped I felt like I was just hoarding and not truly collecting, I want to do it over time and not have it consume my life! Someone will always sell that figure/collectible your after!
Hope you come back after a break and find enjoyment with it again!
Been feeling like this for a while! Thanks for the vid 🙏👍
Great video. I’ve also felt like this many times, it has helped me thin out the bulk of my collection and just invest and collect what I really really like and that are also grails
Selling stuff off can be as much fun as buying it in the first place, I’ve found. Especially if you end up making a profit.
I felt that part when you were talking about how we have some control over toys but not as much in our life, it makes sense to me about why we enjoy collecting toys 5:57
Very helpful video. I am 41 and deep in baseball card collecting. Time to stop so I can be there for my family.
God bless you and good luck
Appreciate you sharing! If it doesn’t make you happy it’s time to move on. Much love to you, brother 🙏🏽
I appreciate that
I think social media has encouraged or made normal the addiction. People flex posting pics of their horde and you feel you need to like and give some positive reinforcement.
This makes people think its normal. If we are honest with each other, its not normal for grown men to spend decent money and time collecting plastic toys.
Well Brother, I watched your video and deem it worthy of comment. I too was in the place you are, i was 35 or 36. It was during the Pandemic, it was about Janurary 2021. I took my whole collection to a toy store in the city, and sold it. All of it, took it all and sold it. I didn't get much for it, maybe 300 for one big box and two medium size boxes. I have several reasons for doing this. The toys have been sitting for years, I have been moving alot and have not had a true place of my own to make a display for them. One time, a mouse got into of the boxes while it was in the garage and chewed on some of my unopen packages. The color on the figures started to fade. I googled and all action figures are made from the same type of oil that arrives in a barrel. I realized that I have boxes of oil then. Also, i read that this oil has a life span, from what I read it doesn't last forever. Essentially, I think I have action figures but what I really have is oil, if it were melted, it would essentially go back to what it originally was. Take all that as you will, y'all can research it yourselves. Next, I realized that most of the action figures I have are people of European decent. I am a brown person with dark hair, i realized I am playing with characters who are of European Decent and that the situations that these characters are in, I will probably never be in. These franchises will throw in a dark person every now and then to even out the roaster of the team but essentially the story is about a European person. I also realized it was marketing, a property is popular, we buy it, a similiar property is popular, we buy it. Next thing we know, we have a lot of merchandise from properties of big companies. I wish I could say these companies think of the child first, but really they just want to seel product, and that product is plastic, and that plastic is oil. We are essentially buying oil because it is packed in a way we find appealing. When I was younger, I was happy with just my small box of figures, but every time a new movie or tv show came out there would be new figures, then we would buy. Even as a kid i remember this stressing me out. Now as an adult it stressed me out. I was happy with what I owned. But I looked inside the box, and realized, these are all European people, I mean there is the darker team mate figure, but essentially this is a box of plastic european people. I realized now that I am older, I have never been a part of the world they inhabit, my mind and the way i think is not how they think, i do not get the same jobs, I do not have the same friends, if i lived the way they do, i am sure to get pulled over by the police. What I am saying is, I was living a pretend world that even if I wanted to, i was not actually going to be a part of. Some darker people get to participate in that world, but some don't. I realized whatever ticket i needed to be there, I didn't have. Sometimes I think these mining companies just package things so we can buy the raw materials. Copper, nickel, even gold, oil, wood, these are useless almost in their raw state but if packed correctly, then they are useful. Wood makes paper and construction products, copper for wires, nickel for electronics, gold for all sorts of applications, oil for gasoline and plastic products, but essentially when these things are in their raw form, they are in the ground, sitting there. I guess the same could be said for humans, essentially we are dirt, water, and minerals. I am not sure exactly how we come to life, what forces make that. So with all that, that is why I sold them. Do I regret it? Some days I miss them, not to lie. But it's been a few years now, and i don't see myself going back to the store and buying them again. My grandfather use to say, we take nothing with us. He is right. When we die, we die, nothing goes with us. We born naked, we die naked. The Counter to that is that some cultures believe we take possessions with us. They bury people with all their possessions. I sometimes I wonder, is this why people are rich, because in the last life they were buried with a lot of riches. That's getting real spiritual about the matter, and I cannot say for sure on it. What I can say, is that I just wanted peace. I like my room clean, I like it easy when I move that I just grab a few boxes. I like space to think. I like my mind uncluttered. I would not say giving them away or having them made me happy. I would say that not having them has brought me peace. I would say that when I was a kid, a small box was all I needed. I think through good marketing and ploys, companies got that small box to turn into several large boxes that caused me stress in various ways.
This is definitely real and i am experiencing it now. Trying to discipline myself with what i buy. I want them all bit do i need them all? No. Its definitely addicting. Another issue is the rising costs of these figures. You can spend thousands of dollars and one day ask yourself. Why did i buy all of these. Be selective.
Moderation is the key also on knowing why you do what you do while hesitating to act on impulse alone 🤷🏻♂️
I'm 38 year old & i think that collecting isn't bad, i had a huge collection of video games, anime dvd's & blu ray's & figure toys, i don't regret because I'm not gonna take a my money to my grave 🪦🪦, so i enjoy buying toys, video games & blu ray's & DVD's and i not gonna stop
Bravo to you for opening up, that’s always the biggest step. I myself have a very small collection of random things(not toys) but I can relate to the urge to want to own certain things to make up for other parts of life. Again bravo to you, I wish you the best in your journey of healing.
Great, great video. Collecting is almost always an addiction born out of an attempt to supplement and/or act as a surrogate for something missing in someone's life. It's pointless. It usually costs people money they don't have (lack of retirement, debt, etc.) and distracts people from more meaningful relationships and experiences. You figured it out, you get it, very happy for you. Truly.
Just complete your collection, there is only so many characters and *so* much display space before it runs out. At a certain point, it has to end. I've reached that end.
Mr> Patel... Thanks for sharing your thoughts!! One Thing Peter Walsh mentioned stuck with me... " If EVERYTHING Is special then NOTHING is special" Walsh did a show called CLEAN SWEEP where people who were overwhelmed with stuff moved it OUT ON THE LAWN & decided what to keep or toss... If you can find the show on the 'net, Walsh had some good points as to how people relate to their stuff.. Again thanks for sharing.. this may help many people... if you aren't having fun anymore it's Okay!! People change or they alter their path... Do what works for you!! As a 50 yr comic collector I get some of what you're saying... Take Care , be with your family, give 'em a hug!! Go someplace you've always wanted to go, or go visit somebody you've missed seeing!! Take Care!!
I've been collecting Battletech for 40 years. I enjoy painting the miniatures and inviting friends over and have tabletop game nights and painting workshops. I use all of my collections unlike most others that just sit on a shelf, which I got rid of to make room for more Battletech.
Brooo, felt. 🤜🤛 I can definitely relate to a lot of what you said. And I know it's an addiction. At the same time, sad to see you go, so to speak. But, happy for you as well. Don't quit your IG though man, just shift the focus of it.
Anyway, I've thought about it a lot, not quitting, but purging a lot. And I've considered selling to a shop (for me it'd be Rogue since that's where I used to work), even though I could get more selling them myself. But, time and effort. So, we'll see. I gotta think on it some more.
I just started to realize that I only need the main characters like for example for wrestling I’m getting only the ones I love and need. It starts to become a waste if you just buying to complete a set or something
Thanks for sharing. I started recollecting my childhood toys around 24 years old and it was a struggle of going back and forth selling then buying it again lol. It is addicting! I have created a list and I have sold many of my toys and only keeping my favorites! I am now 35 and my collecting journey is almost over as I still have only 5 more toys to collect. Right now my priority is my family. I can always buy toys for my kids😅
Also vacation time is always important👍🏻
Just keep the favorites you have just to enjoy it! Don’t sell all of it. A focused collection is so much better then having so much toys. Enjoy life buddy!
You are absolutely right Sir, and until one realizes or accepts it...they will not be able to get the real grasps on Collecting.
I used to buy 3 items a month, now its 1 item in 3 months.
Collecting has gotten out of control with all the exclusives. Companies telling you when its time to spend. Its rarely fun anymore.
The company execs are definitely fully clued in now to the fact that adult collectors are a serious demographic. They want that money!
It's so hard to stop espcially when you see something you're a big fan of.
Bien por ti amigo
Me pasó lo mismo hace un par de años, tengho 46 años y esto se convirtió para mi en una obsesion. Comprar figuras que ni siquiera quería, tener un game/toy room, copn mas de 80 consolas de video juegos, mas de 500 figuras, mas de 2000 juegos, una locura.
Decidi comenzar a vender todo e invertir mi dinero en algo más util... con parte del dinero amplié mi casa, construí una hermosa cocina para mi esposa y bueno, queremos viajar.
Bien por ti amigo, no debemos sentir apego por las cosas de plástico, nada nos llevaremos, sin embargo el dinero invertido ahi si puede generar recuerdos inolvidables con tu familia.
Las memorias de mi niñez siempre estarán ahi, no necesito un mono de plastico que mas recuerde.
Saludos!
I got into hobbies (in particular card collecting )...not for the things, but to connect with people. I felt lonely. I wanted to be apart of something. But i can see how this can turn into an addiction. Balance is needed. Take care of yourself! Dont be hard on yourself.
I fully understand where you’re coming from - Especially finding a claim in toys and a comfort. My issue now is I’m starting to not feel enjoyment or value in the items I buy unless it’s something from hot toys or something from my past that I allayed wanted as a kid This mainly happens with new releases. I’m currently twenty six and I’m debating if I want to start streamline almost all my collection and keep the absolute favourites.
I collect Transformers, G.I joe, Marvel legends, Mythic legions. Collecting doesn't mean you need ALL of them, that's the problem with some people. Some guys army build and that's when I see the addiction without even knowing how many toys they have. I understand the rationalization you are trying to give out but collecting is meant to be fun. You might have something deeper going on that is causing challenges with collecting.
This
I sold a lot of things I owned in 2011 and moved out of the USA. It felt good to reduce my useless things... but I also felt the pull of the things I regretted selling and hunted down waya to get those few things back. I have since bought new things as well, but with far more caution and thought.
I never care about completing a set or army building like some do [which I respect and understand]. I just know what I like and try to think over how much I actually want something versus just fascination of seeing something new. Watching toy reviews and videos helps me see what I really want versus what is just a passing interest.