Ninja. I want to thank you and your wives for being real. Meeting and speaking with you all at DFW was awesome. It truly was. I'm an Retired soldier turned novelist so I can, in a way use my work as therapy but nothing ever came as close as the real hug you gave me. Instantly I felt something I haven't in many years. That was a real connection with another human being. I am currently working my shelves into a great display because of how you made me feel. For those that don't know, I am the person Ninja spoke about in the beginning of this video. A few of my deployment brothers came to see me and left leaving me feeling ashamed, isolated, and less of what we call ourselves, "Hardcore soldiers." They couldn't believe that I'd rather collect action figures as apposed to going to a shooting range and drinking all the time. I packed it all up and the days were darker, the hole was much deeper. Then there was DFW. A bunch of great people with Ninja as the stand out. I left that convention with a smile knowing that it really is okay to be who I want to be. That is a father, toy collector, and a friend to others when they find themselves in a hole. My hand is there to take as Ninja's hand was then. Ninja, you're a real stand up human. I will always consider you a brother because you treated me like we'd known each other for decades. I'm lucky in a way that my wife is a current soldier, (we met in Iraq) with 5 deployments under her belt so she knows how to relate in ways other just can't. In short, this video hit me right in the feels and I teared up a bit here and there. If anyone needs help please reach out. Please hang on because we, the left behind have a harder time in your absence. Anyone can hit me up and I'll speak with you. I'll be that nonjudgmental friend. We're action figure collectors so we're all friends. But I'd rather have more friends than action figures. And we're living in the best time to be that person for each other. FB Oenon Slade. If you need a voice to help you off the ledge. I love you all. Except Diaper Island, he can quietly leave or just become a good person. It's not that hard.
More friend then action figures hit me man damn , as you saw from the video my interaction and genuine conversations we had have been on my mind since some topics a little too mature for the channel to bring up but thank you for reciprocating my efforts and also treating me like we knew each other forever I agree things flowed seamlessly. Your wife was a beautiful highlight as well in person you could tell she does support who you are and you guys have a really strong bond. Slade man honestly I'm glad we met and I'm excited to see you in future again 🤜🏾🤛🏼
If you don't mind I will pin your comment at the first/top comment on the video for others to see as well your message and thoughts should be ready by many.
@@ArticulatedNinja Can't tell you how much this made me happy today. The last few days were rough due to an unpleasant memories. But this right here made me smile. I agree with you that everything flowed naturally between us. I haven't had something like that in years and it felt amazing. From Lesley and me too you and your beautiful wives we send gig hugs.
We don't stop playing and imagine with action figures because we grow old; we grow old because we've stopped. ❤ thanks for taking the time to produce this great psa
I feel the lonliness. I feel it every day. I reach out to friends, family, and it dulls it, but it's still there. I go through my days with my dog, and that's nice, and every once in awhile I get to go to a gathering, where I know if I'm not in a room someone's speaking for me. Its getting home. And its just me, in my silly apartment. I have my dog. People I want to spend time with are hundreds of miles away, literally. So its a constant struggle to find a good balance of being alone, and being along and ok. I'm not ok, I know that for certain, I'm better, but not ok. The good fight gets harder every day it seems, and I try to just keep my chin up. When you're on your knees, you're always look up. When you standing straight, you're seeing the world at eye level. We're all just here to be here, and sometimes I want to be there, to be there with others. Thanks for the video Ninja. This helps.
Been a tough couple of years lost the use of my body from my chest down in a car accident in 2021, my wife was driving, did 6 months in hospital after waking up from a coma 3 weeks later. My wife stayed with me for 2 years but threw in the towel last November and started seeing another dude, I had no where to go and had to leave the state to move back in with my parents. I was going to give up and end everything but I said fuck that I could never do that to my 5 year old daughter. I got a job and got custody of my girl, we collect and play toys together and things get better everyday. It's still hard sometimes but she is worth it and so am I. Thank you Ninja these videos help and this community helps 2. No bull shit I was watching utube one day a few years ago saw one of ur classified reviews and thought to myself this guy is cool as hell and he collects action figures. You gave me the courage to do the same never had much as a kid, but I got all yhe dope toys now, and it's something my daughter and I do together, thank you Ninja for giving me the courage to do what I love
I’m very glad you’re still around and didn’t quit. You have people that love you, you have someone that depends on you. You are providing a great example to your daughter to persevere, be responsible, care for others, and never give up. That leads a lasting impact because those memories your building because your around will stay with her and your family for as long as they live. Amazing how this hobby helps us in different ways…
In a similar situation where if I buy another figure my friends or love ones would judge me because I’m too old for it but I literally saved up and worked for it so I just ignored them
I remember an r/AITA story of a woman who married a dude who collected toys because his father refused to let him have any as a kid. She claimed she didn't care but when they were expecting their first child she wanted him to "man up" and get rid of the toys and turn his space into a nursery When he wasn't on board with that she got a hold of his dad and threw away his ENTIRE collection while he was at work. Then she was surprised when he left her
I was given a scare recently... ticker isn't what it used to be lol..wear and tear etc, etc. Wife never left myside... my boys cracking jokes with me and the nurses...and my baby girl asleep on my chest listening for my heart....it still beats just little slower. Everyone...Keep pushing...
As a toy collector, combat Veteran with PTSD, a dad, and a preacher I really appreciate your Keep it Real videos, keep them and the other excellent work you do going.
Broski, these check in's are great. You really do a service with these and so appreciated. Came in for everyone of these, think I've only comment one other time. But man homie, good look on these. So important.
Holy crap, I never knew you were doing these. Dude, this mental self awareness stuff is my cross and my passion at the same time. This was the toughest year I’ve ever had in a long list of tough ones. I’ve been a rock for everyone but myself. The toys were supposed to help me resist getting pulled under by it all, but sometimes everyone needs REAL. Thanks for that REAL moment Ninja. I think I may one of those guys you hoped help a bit today. And you kinda did, soooo… Nice to know there’s still allies like you out there.
Thanks Ninja…Keep doing these videos, they help. One of the best remedies to loneliness is to realize your truly not alone. Appreciate what you have. Life is short.
Man you don't know how well timed your video was. Today had me spun out like I haven't been in a while. "Who is really there for you" hit me hard. Thank you for this
Love ❤ these videos of yours Articulated Ninja. Thank you so much for them... Sometimes being a collector myself needs to hear this every so often. Helps 😊 keeps alot of my priorities straight along with my own mind. To look out for my Mom, who depends on me for so much. And watching out for my Baby Bro, who is good 😂 by his own standards that I love him for. Thank's man 😊..
I love this series Ninja. Always gives me a moment to reflect on the hardships life has thrown my way and makes me glad I made it through. Loneliness is such an awful felling to have to deal with. I hope any of the Ninja clan that's feeling that way knows their never truly alone in this community that Ninja and the FMF ladies have built.
Well said. Who we give our time to and share our experiences with is a big part of how we foster happiness in our life. You gotta own your life, and what you love. And if people can't get respect that, even if they don't get it or vibe with it, then you gotta wonder why they are in your life at all. And, it's okay to tell them that you don't need their input on that subject. It's okay for them to have their opinion, but you don't need to hear it. As for people being pennies and quarters, it's all relative. Most of those pennies are quarters, or dollars to someone, but it might not be you. And that's okay. But you don't have to carry those pennies around if you don't want to. Let em go if they're weighing down your pockets.
Just gotta say, I love this series! Going through a divorce after 20 years is extremely rough away. Most people don’t realize. Thank you for shining ray of sunshine acknowledgment on the dark shadow of things normal people go through. 🫶🏼
I hear you man. Went though a really tough divorce after 16 years and understand what you mean. All I can say is I’m several years removed from that and my life is a lot better now. Keep moving forward.
Dude, you have no idea how well timed this video is! I really appreciate you posting these videos. I hope that I am not the only one that got a lift in morale from it.
@@lesleyslade9228 what a coincidence that it's Mrs Slade who comments first on this video wow , you will know why once you guys watch. I hope you guys are doing well I really enjoyed all the topics me and your other half spoke about your lucky to have him and hes lucky to have you.
It's rare to see someone sharing something so profound and personal especially among the toy collectors community. One of the main reason I'm in to toy collecting is because it serves as a gateway for me to temporarily escape reality and find solace. It is what kept me sane and for a moment (how brief it may be) to forget about the bad things that happened. Loneliness is something that exist in everyone's mind hence it comes down to how well we're going to deal with it. I'm very lucky to have met a bunch of good people through this hobby and the interactions with them really helps me get through life on a better perspective (especially on weekends when we meet up and have coffee talk). I may not frequent your channel often but am thankful for stumbling upon this video. Please keep up the good work.
Thank you 🙏🏽 for stopping by and sharing ya thoughts it's really cool that you got to meet others threw the hobby and I agree it definitely helps find solace.
3:15 is so real. People can be absolutely fucked. The story of how that guy put away his figures due to being so uncomfortable after having been harassed by his "friends", is heart breaking. I have a small collection of mainly statues, but I love em. I even got veteran William. I haven't put him up yet, but I will when I get a blow drier.
Growing up, we didn't have much, and I would get an action figure maybe once a year, if that. I still remember owning a Batman figure from Toys "R" Us in the early '90s, complete with a cloth cape. That figure brought me so much happiness and comfort, especially during tough times. It was my own little piece of joy as a kid. Now that I'm an adult, I have a pretty extensive collection, and it gives me a sense of peace and pride. My Batman figure still holds a special place right in the middle of my shelves. He’s missing a hand thanks to a dog, but I still cherish it-and my love for action figures remains as strong as ever.
I’ve let go of relationships both friends and family cause they think collecting figs/toys is stupid and a waste of money .. but my wife loves the fact that I’m home 90% of the time playing games and messing with figs and she helps me with hunting down figs I’m blessed for sure .. thank you Ninja for always speaking facts and truth and for spreading positivity ..!!
Thank you, Ninja! This is a hundred per cent truth. I need to put '4 quarters>100 pennies' in my notes. There is a real community out there; we simply have to help make it, not just be a small part of it.
This story struck a chord with me.I’ve had girlfriends try to make me stop collecting. When I was younger I did stop for a while because I was convinced i was too old. I also dressed a certain way even though it wasn’t really me. Later in life I built up my confidence and self respect to break up with girls that tried to change me. I also went back to collecting lol.
Thanks Ninja your words mean so much to so many people. I've been going through a rough patch recently but after watching your video I'm feeling a bit more positive. Thanks again man👍🏻
We all have our reasons all we really need is 1 , I appreciate you supporting metal seriously thanks just continue to be a better version of ya self and we all win on that path.
Got to show love. When I was dated my wife, she was surprised I didnt have negative people in my life. I said something similar to what you said, life is too short to have people like that in my life. She eventually removed the negative people in her life and became a better person which i fell in love with. I huge my wife, daughter and our dog everyday. Got to appreciate the small things. The world is cruel, but we got to make our world, at least a minimum a safe space.
I just wanted to say you’ve earned a genuine subscriber today. I just started watching your videos a week ago and the fact you’re so genuine to where you care about your viewers testimonies is so wholesome. I started watching you because I never really got a childhood so I already thought your channel was a safe space even more now I had a rough upbringing most of my childhood I was either homeless or in an abusive home so now I like to catch up on everything I missed by collecting figures. I can’t stress enough how closed in I am about collecting figmas/figures I got my life together and now I can afford to do the things I like to do like collecting figures. thank you ninja, For not only Being a good content creator but also down to earth to where you even support your own supporters that is extremely rare!
Thanks for sharing and it's awesome from hard work you are now at a point where you can buy what you want. With a past like yours I'm sure you have been threw some tough times physically and mentally I salute that you keep pushing forward. 🙏🏽 Thank you for subbing.
my dad died almost 1 year ago the first anniversery is comin up on the 31st and your videos make every day easier i like the theme of this video with the whole theyre only friends if you conform and its pretty releatable for the family i have left
Great advise brotha! In the end, YOU can only make you happy and in the end of the day after a loong day’s wrok, contentment sometimes comes in action figures. Keep up the great work sir! 🔥🔥🔥
These are amazing my friend. I know I always try to be there for my friends and it does suck to know that some don’t feel the same but all we can do if be there for the ones we love and let them know someone will answer the call.
I've been through alot of abuse at home and at work these past eight years of my life. All the stress eventually led to divorce and me moving back to my home state. i chose to not give up and just fall apart and die in Vegas i left that evil city. But now i have to figure out how do i live for myself again now that i'm not living for someone else. I look at my figures and my tabletop miniatures and i tell myself "you used to love this! what happened!? why can't you bring yourself to create anymore?" I'm still trying to find the answers. I've just been struggling with what to do with myself now that i'm back on my own again. And to the guy who got made fun of. You don't need those people in your life. Never kill part of yourself to fit in. It sucks that some people never grew out of the highschool mentality, but sadly that's how the world still runs nowadays. Keep your hobbies, because the world needs to remember that there's more to life than work and money.
Ayo ninja, this might sound weird, i isolated myself during the covid era 🙃during that time i physically and mentally let go of so many things go, the sacrifices of the people i let go, because i was on a one man versus me against my mind😂. I let go of my social life( thats a joke) depression was draining me. I lost myself in my room with a box of action figures and my camera, i lost myself in lights, camera action. Finding angles and Posen my figure in shadows and light.....📸 it puts a smile on my face, im ready for the day.
Hey ninja, I really appreciate you making this video. As of late I've been hating myself, I've been struggling to find out where I belong in life? Why can't I be happy even with money to but toys I like, 2 healthy daughters and ride or die wife, why. I tend to wake up unmotivated and down as sh*t. Suicide is no longer an option I go towards cause my family needs me but I honestly feel like if it didn't have them...I think I would dip my toe in that lake. I'm thought making videos would get me out of this funk, but it brings on a whole bunch of new issues and ramps my depression and anxiety to 10. I overthink my decisions, I wake up crying sometimes cause of nightmares of my biological patents gave me up without and reason why. I'm 39 and I want the love of my 9 yo self. I know they're are so many that have nothing and are worse off than I am, I'm trying to remember that abd to keep trucking. Thank you for your videos man, thank you for keeping it real and I hope you continue to thrive in life brotha. ❤
This world becomes a better place if we all can thrive together in life , but thank you I appreciate it and we all have our struggles yours doesn't make you any less of a man just keep fighting the good fight and don't give into the pain/negatives , we win simply by being better versions of ourselves.
I have been feeling the loneliness hard these last 4 months, and the ending to this video hit real hard. I had to say goodbye to my husky I had for 16 years back in April, and the ending to this video... It took me almost 10 minutes to type this reply.
Bruh, thanks for the video and the check in. Getting over COVID-today I tested negative, so I feel a lot better. Now, let me ask you. Are you OK? You know, making these and other videos and meeting folks at conventions is great, but sometimes we forget to take our own advice. If something is going on with you and you don’t want to talk to your wives about it, you have a whole community here for you. Just give anyone of us that you know and feel comfortable with a heads up. I’m sure that anyone of us would gladly be there for you like you have been for us.
I appreciate it crump yea I'm good man but I can easily remember times I wasn't and I know tons of people out there still are not. But I appreciate that alot and thank you for supporting the channel 🙏🏽❤️
going through the same thing felt like i was getting judged for collecting action figures but now i embrace it i dont care i grew up poor and all these cool action figures i wasnt able to get as a kid so now that i have money its like im satisfying the little boy in me but for anyone going through anything it gets better i promise i was in the darkest spot 2 years ago until recently now im thriving u guys got this even if its overwhelming in the moment one thing that helps me i sit back and just say you know what man im alive couldnt be any better then that u guys got this
Incredible video brotha my situation when my cuzin pass away i thought the people that gave me comfort would accept and i try share the world i had with my cuzin and they clown it...shit hurt and i drop my toys and hang out in the streets of age 14 im older now like i said i got back into buying action fig and i felt a big difference especially now my daughter gets excited with me when toys come in and hers lol god bless bro for real 💪☝🙏
Facts ya cuzo sound like a real 1 one for sure I'm sure you was lucky to experience someone like that most people never do. And it's awesome it's something you share with the lil one now ❤️
I was pleaced that you use the clip of Shaolin Shifu Shihenyi, as you can see im a shaolin master as well, thats why my channel name is this. Thanks for sharing our philosophy, it's well applied and explained in this video. Thousands blesseings of thousands Buddhas to you and all your followers 🙏
@@ArticulatedNinja oh yeah bro we great, thanks 4 the great content.... It helps me while I'm trying to recover from an injury from work.... Thanks bro 4 all u do......
my parents started bashing me one day randomly because i wanted to pre-order a venom figure. im 17, and they told me im getting too old to collect toys anymore. that im gonna "put them away" and i wont "be able to sell them" because theyre out of the box. it's made me paranoid about purchasing figures i want, especially since i have my own money. think my dad was just pissed as fuck that morning, since he doesnt really seem to care and tells me to buy whatever i want. but this shit has been eating at my brain. my partner doesnt care about it, and supports me. he actually likes the fact that i collect figures, and my friends don't mind it too. i've actually made friends want to buy figures just cause of how much i love the hobby and taking care after my figures and dedicating time to them. my partner wouldnt care if i had figures, and im glad that. i wanna marry my partner, since they've been so supportive of me and my interests. 4 years strong btw
It's awesome your partner is supportive of it your still really young tho man don't stress plus you seem pretty educated and well spoken , as you stated I'm sure they was having an off morning so don't let it eat away at you. Plus they come from a different time , resell value is still there plus you could be throwing ya money away in tons of worse ways don't stress it. It's not much different then buying video games all the time at 60 bucks or more a piece or sneakers ECT. We all have our things continue being proud of the little things that make you unique and you 💯
@@ArticulatedNinja thank you man. this really helped alot, my parents have off morning sometimes and this is just one of them where i was caught up in it. especially since i was just excited to have my own credit card. they got mad at me over that new walmart venom figure, which a week later my dad pre-ordered for me since walmart was acting up for me. so it really was just an off morning, cause other times my dad is supportive of my figures. thanks again man, this really helped a ton
@@banzaibobA7V Yes, that "graven images" thing is more than a bit of a stretch. Yes, people do spen a lot of time, money, and engergy on action figures, but that is still not worship.
@@ArticulatedNinja The closest and most relevant things might be "all things in moderation" or "there is a season for everything". These are very broad and vague so no one can really know what the exact and correct answer is.
The problem some times is not even with people outside the hobby. You have other collectors critize others because they don't collect the same figures they do. For example I have been getting the Jada Street fighter figures. I started getting the Storms Collectibles ones. But because they are not really 1/12 it doesn't pair with nothing else. The Jada ones are perfect. One of my friends who also collect figures makes fun of it. I also have a bunch of custom 1/6 figures. And it is the same thing. People like that just need to be ignored because they also get testy when they get criticized.
Judgement is a majority of people’s thought process. If you don’t fall into that person ideology of what they value in life expect the judgement. I’m a lonely individual when it comes to my collecting. Not too many family members are supportive of my collecting. They don’t hate on it but they don’t support it either. Not a lot of family or friends outside my house hold knows of my collection. There’s a few that have seen my collection and have been amazed. Then there’s those selected few that seen it and had the look of judgement. I just don’t let it get me. But I’ve always been an introvert anyways.
Im lucky i guess, i had never that problem. my wife started collecting because of me ( only her childhood dolls she lost). My friends (manly men lol) started collecting because of me not super hardcore but they buy 1 or 2 lines. Its all about personality i guess. People in my work know i collect, some of them have given me their childhood toys
@ArticulatedNinja I've watched alot of your videos I enjoy everyone of them and you are passionate about your figures I have got alot of figures lately valaverse I've watched your channel and even got some you did videos on I went to joe fest in 2023 were I meet you guys it was a pleasure to meet you all bobby ryan you I ve watched Chad's videos he is something else 😀 keep up the videos I might make one some time in the future stay strong and have fun and may God be with you
@@averageguy1469 my motto is as long as no one is being hurt and people don't hurt themselves and it's all consenting adults involved who cares. We could be spending on worse ( crack lol or x rated parties or something worse )
Why'd you show that video of the dog, man? That gets to me. I had a dog when I was younger he died even though I felt I could've saved him. Then my brought home another dog.
Ninja. I want to thank you and your wives for being real. Meeting and speaking with you all at DFW was awesome. It truly was. I'm an Retired soldier turned novelist so I can, in a way use my work as therapy but nothing ever came as close as the real hug you gave me. Instantly I felt something I haven't in many years. That was a real connection with another human being. I am currently working my shelves into a great display because of how you made me feel. For those that don't know, I am the person Ninja spoke about in the beginning of this video. A few of my deployment brothers came to see me and left leaving me feeling ashamed, isolated, and less of what we call ourselves, "Hardcore soldiers." They couldn't believe that I'd rather collect action figures as apposed to going to a shooting range and drinking all the time. I packed it all up and the days were darker, the hole was much deeper. Then there was DFW. A bunch of great people with Ninja as the stand out. I left that convention with a smile knowing that it really is okay to be who I want to be. That is a father, toy collector, and a friend to others when they find themselves in a hole. My hand is there to take as Ninja's hand was then. Ninja, you're a real stand up human. I will always consider you a brother because you treated me like we'd known each other for decades. I'm lucky in a way that my wife is a current soldier, (we met in Iraq) with 5 deployments under her belt so she knows how to relate in ways other just can't. In short, this video hit me right in the feels and I teared up a bit here and there. If anyone needs help please reach out. Please hang on because we, the left behind have a harder time in your absence. Anyone can hit me up and I'll speak with you. I'll be that nonjudgmental friend. We're action figure collectors so we're all friends. But I'd rather have more friends than action figures. And we're living in the best time to be that person for each other. FB Oenon Slade. If you need a voice to help you off the ledge. I love you all. Except Diaper Island, he can quietly leave or just become a good person. It's not that hard.
More friend then action figures hit me man damn , as you saw from the video my interaction and genuine conversations we had have been on my mind since some topics a little too mature for the channel to bring up but thank you for reciprocating my efforts and also treating me like we knew each other forever I agree things flowed seamlessly. Your wife was a beautiful highlight as well in person you could tell she does support who you are and you guys have a really strong bond. Slade man honestly I'm glad we met and I'm excited to see you in future again 🤜🏾🤛🏼
If you don't mind I will pin your comment at the first/top comment on the video for others to see as well your message and thoughts should be ready by many.
@@ArticulatedNinja Thank you, Brother. This means a lot. If we can help anyone everything would be worth it. Big love to you.
@@ArticulatedNinja Can't tell you how much this made me happy today. The last few days were rough due to an unpleasant memories. But this right here made me smile. I agree with you that everything flowed naturally between us. I haven't had something like that in years and it felt amazing. From Lesley and me too you and your beautiful wives we send gig hugs.
We don't stop playing and imagine with action figures because we grow old; we grow old because we've stopped. ❤ thanks for taking the time to produce this great psa
I feel the lonliness. I feel it every day. I reach out to friends, family, and it dulls it, but it's still there. I go through my days with my dog, and that's nice, and every once in awhile I get to go to a gathering, where I know if I'm not in a room someone's speaking for me.
Its getting home. And its just me, in my silly apartment. I have my dog. People I want to spend time with are hundreds of miles away, literally. So its a constant struggle to find a good balance of being alone, and being along and ok. I'm not ok, I know that for certain, I'm better, but not ok.
The good fight gets harder every day it seems, and I try to just keep my chin up. When you're on your knees, you're always look up. When you standing straight, you're seeing the world at eye level.
We're all just here to be here, and sometimes I want to be there, to be there with others. Thanks for the video Ninja. This helps.
Love you Jeff. not sure what to really say but im always in your dms or if you wanna call. take care bro
Years ago my brother-in-law came over with an attitude and called me a little kid because of my figures...I stopped talking to him for a while.
Been a tough couple of years lost the use of my body from my chest down in a car accident in 2021, my wife was driving, did 6 months in hospital after waking up from a coma 3 weeks later. My wife stayed with me for 2 years but threw in the towel last November and started seeing another dude, I had no where to go and had to leave the state to move back in with my parents. I was going to give up and end everything but I said fuck that I could never do that to my 5 year old daughter. I got a job and got custody of my girl, we collect and play toys together and things get better everyday. It's still hard sometimes but she is worth it and so am I. Thank you Ninja these videos help and this community helps 2. No bull shit I was watching utube one day a few years ago saw one of ur classified reviews and thought to myself this guy is cool as hell and he collects action figures. You gave me the courage to do the same never had much as a kid, but I got all yhe dope toys now, and it's something my daughter and I do together, thank you Ninja for giving me the courage to do what I love
I’m very glad you’re still around and didn’t quit. You have people that love you, you have someone that depends on you. You are providing a great example to your daughter to persevere, be responsible, care for others, and never give up. That leads a lasting impact because those memories your building because your around will stay with her and your family for as long as they live. Amazing how this hobby helps us in different ways…
@Ajztoyz thank you for the kind words and encouragement, that is why I joined this community. Live strong
In a similar situation where if I buy another figure my friends or love ones would judge me because I’m too old for it but I literally saved up and worked for it so I just ignored them
I remember an r/AITA story of a woman who married a dude who collected toys because his father refused to let him have any as a kid. She claimed she didn't care but when they were expecting their first child she wanted him to "man up" and get rid of the toys and turn his space into a nursery
When he wasn't on board with that she got a hold of his dad and threw away his ENTIRE collection while he was at work. Then she was surprised when he left her
I'm glad he left divorce was most likely gonna happen regardless with an individual that selfish
Shot out to this ninja right here. Wisdom way beyond his years!
I was given a scare recently... ticker isn't what it used to be lol..wear and tear etc, etc. Wife never left myside... my boys cracking jokes with me and the nurses...and my baby girl asleep on my chest listening for my heart....it still beats just little slower. Everyone...Keep pushing...
I hope you are well today.
@Sladeonslade I'm taking it slow, new concept lol. Trying to get ahead of issues and follow docs advise
As a toy collector, combat Veteran with PTSD, a dad, and a preacher I really appreciate your Keep it Real videos, keep them and the other excellent work you do going.
Man this one made me cry. Reminded me of my pup that passed away a few years ago. Thank you ninja for your kind words.
Thank you for watching and commenting monger 🙏🏽
Broski, these check in's are great. You really do a service with these and so appreciated.
Came in for everyone of these, think I've only comment one other time. But man homie, good look on these. So important.
Holy crap, I never knew you were doing these. Dude, this mental self awareness stuff is my cross and my passion at the same time. This was the toughest year I’ve ever had in a long list of tough ones. I’ve been a rock for everyone but myself. The toys were supposed to help me resist getting pulled under by it all, but sometimes everyone needs REAL.
Thanks for that REAL moment Ninja.
I think I may one of those guys you hoped help a bit today. And you kinda did, soooo…
Nice to know there’s still allies like you out there.
You spoke of a cruel world and I had to laugh. Man….you DO get it.
Thanks Ninja…Keep doing these videos, they help. One of the best remedies to loneliness is to realize your truly not alone. Appreciate what you have. Life is short.
the perfect guideline to self happiness.
Man you don't know how well timed your video was. Today had me spun out like I haven't been in a while. "Who is really there for you" hit me hard. Thank you for this
Keep fighting that good fight I'm glad the video helped in any way possible.
Love ❤ these videos of yours Articulated Ninja. Thank you so much for them... Sometimes being a collector myself needs to hear this every so often. Helps 😊 keeps alot of my priorities straight along with my own mind. To look out for my Mom, who depends on me for so much. And watching out for my Baby Bro, who is good 😂 by his own standards that I love him for. Thank's man 😊..
Didn’t think I needed this until I watched it…great shots…great narrative…straight facts…✌🏼
I love this series Ninja. Always gives me a moment to reflect on the hardships life has thrown my way and makes me glad I made it through. Loneliness is such an awful felling to have to deal with. I hope any of the Ninja clan that's feeling that way knows their never truly alone in this community that Ninja and the FMF ladies have built.
Once again, thanks for bringing me out of that dark place. Always keep it 💯. 🎉🎉🎉
🙏🏽 thank you for listening keep fighting the good fight
💯 keep on keeping on Broski thank you. ❤🙏🏽💪🏾🤙🏽🫡💯🔥
Thank you for doing these videos, brother. Sending love to you and the fam🖤
😎 my man Kenny in the building I hope your good broham
@@ArticulatedNinja I’m doing great! Practicing optimism iand gratitude. Hoping Neca give us figures from that new Alien movie
This facts !!!! I be holding it down for everyone and nobody be holding it down for me never - life of a man
Well said. Who we give our time to and share our experiences with is a big part of how we foster happiness in our life. You gotta own your life, and what you love. And if people can't get respect that, even if they don't get it or vibe with it, then you gotta wonder why they are in your life at all. And, it's okay to tell them that you don't need their input on that subject. It's okay for them to have their opinion, but you don't need to hear it.
As for people being pennies and quarters, it's all relative. Most of those pennies are quarters, or dollars to someone, but it might not be you. And that's okay. But you don't have to carry those pennies around if you don't want to. Let em go if they're weighing down your pockets.
Just gotta say, I love this series! Going through a divorce after 20 years is extremely rough away. Most people don’t realize. Thank you for shining ray of sunshine acknowledgment on the dark shadow of things normal people go through. 🫶🏼
I hear you man. Went though a really tough divorce after 16 years and understand what you mean. All I can say is I’m several years removed from that and my life is a lot better now. Keep moving forward.
@@robertsinfiniterealms1308 thank you for the encouragement
Dude, you have no idea how well timed this video is! I really appreciate you posting these videos. I hope that I am not the only one that got a lift in morale from it.
Thank you 🙏🏽
Thanks for the safe space, Articulated Ninja. You’ve given me much to think and feel. You’re helping making this world better.
Thank you arturo 🙏🏽
Thank you for the perspective and reminder of community!
Glad to see you made a video miss these we whining to watch when we get home
@@lesleyslade9228 what a coincidence that it's Mrs Slade who comments first on this video wow , you will know why once you guys watch. I hope you guys are doing well I really enjoyed all the topics me and your other half spoke about your lucky to have him and hes lucky to have you.
@@ArticulatedNinja we recognize we are blessed to have each other in each other lives and he tells me often which feels really good
It's rare to see someone sharing something so profound and personal especially among the toy collectors community.
One of the main reason I'm in to toy collecting is because it serves as a gateway for me to temporarily escape reality and find solace. It is what kept me sane and for a moment (how brief it may be) to forget about the bad things that happened.
Loneliness is something that exist in everyone's mind hence it comes down to how well we're going to deal with it. I'm very lucky to have met a bunch of good people through this hobby and the interactions with them really helps me get through life on a better perspective (especially on weekends when we meet up and have coffee talk).
I may not frequent your channel often but am thankful for stumbling upon this video. Please keep up the good work.
Thank you 🙏🏽 for stopping by and sharing ya thoughts it's really cool that you got to meet others threw the hobby and I agree it definitely helps find solace.
I'ma keep it real I've been going through a lot mentally recently, I needed this video bro thank you
3:15 is so real. People can be absolutely fucked. The story of how that guy put away his figures due to being so uncomfortable after having been harassed by his "friends", is heart breaking. I have a small collection of mainly statues, but I love em. I even got veteran William. I haven't put him up yet, but I will when I get a blow drier.
I love your channel man, you got me into collecting figures
Fully agree. Appreciate every day and every moment that we have. Make the best of it, and enjoy it! Be yourself.
Growing up, we didn't have much, and I would get an action figure maybe once a year, if that. I still remember owning a Batman figure from Toys "R" Us in the early '90s, complete with a cloth cape. That figure brought me so much happiness and comfort, especially during tough times. It was my own little piece of joy as a kid. Now that I'm an adult, I have a pretty extensive collection, and it gives me a sense of peace and pride. My Batman figure still holds a special place right in the middle of my shelves. He’s missing a hand thanks to a dog, but I still cherish it-and my love for action figures remains as strong as ever.
It's awesome you still have em and cherish him to this day ❤️
I’ve let go of relationships both friends and family cause they think collecting figs/toys is stupid and a waste of money .. but my wife loves the fact that I’m home 90% of the time playing games and messing with figs and she helps me with hunting down figs I’m blessed for sure .. thank you Ninja for always speaking facts and truth and for spreading positivity ..!!
Sounds like you got a good 1 man I'm happy for you 🙏🏽🔥
Thank you for this video! I needed it tonight for real man.
Thank you Articulated Ninja these keep real video’s really help. Even hero’s need hero’s. You rock!!!
This video is so important. Respect brother.
Thank you, Ninja! This is a hundred per cent truth. I need to put '4 quarters>100 pennies' in my notes. There is a real community out there; we simply have to help make it, not just be a small part of it.
This story struck a chord with me.I’ve had girlfriends try to make me stop collecting. When I was younger I did stop for a while because I was convinced i was too old. I also dressed a certain way even though it wasn’t really me. Later in life I built up my confidence and self respect to break up with girls that tried to change me. I also went back to collecting lol.
Thxs for the reminder of how blessed we all are ninja. I are truly grateful for your words
I swear if someone came into my house and made fun of me for anything they would be going out my front door quite possibly not in one piece.
When it happens you never expect it to be the person it was so that shock alone normally takes the rage away you’ll be more disappointed then even mad
Very true knight that initial shock does hit different
Thanks for the video. Life is truly too short.
Thanks Ninja your words mean so much to so many people. I've been going through a rough patch recently but after watching your video I'm feeling a bit more positive. Thanks again man👍🏻
I'm glad I could help in anyway keep ya head up and fighting the good fight 🔥
You know i appreciate these videos brother. Thank you. 🙏🏼
I don't have anyone to be there for me so this action figure stuff is frankly the only reason I have to keep going sometimes.
We all have our reasons all we really need is 1 , I appreciate you supporting metal seriously thanks just continue to be a better version of ya self and we all win on that path.
This series is just outstanding. Keep up the good words.
ps....your skills at action figure photography is amazing.
Just thank you just thank you man
These videos mean and do more than I believe you realize. Thank you ninja
Thank you Connor I appreciate it 🙏🏽
Got to show love.
When I was dated my wife, she was surprised I didnt have negative people in my life. I said something similar to what you said, life is too short to have people like that in my life. She eventually removed the negative people in her life and became a better person which i fell in love with.
I huge my wife, daughter and our dog everyday. Got to appreciate the small things.
The world is cruel, but we got to make our world, at least a minimum a safe space.
I just wanted to say you’ve earned a genuine subscriber today. I just started watching your videos a week ago and the fact you’re so genuine to where you care about your viewers testimonies is so wholesome. I started watching you because I never really got a childhood so I already thought your channel was a safe space even more now I had a rough upbringing most of my childhood I was either homeless or in an abusive home so now I like to catch up on everything I missed by collecting figures. I can’t stress enough how closed in I am about collecting figmas/figures I got my life together and now I can afford to do the things I like to do like collecting figures. thank you ninja, For not only Being a good content creator but also down to earth to where you even support your own supporters that is extremely rare!
Thanks for sharing and it's awesome from hard work you are now at a point where you can buy what you want. With a past like yours I'm sure you have been threw some tough times physically and mentally I salute that you keep pushing forward. 🙏🏽 Thank you for subbing.
my dad died almost 1 year ago the first anniversery is comin up on the 31st and your videos make every day easier i like the theme of this video with the whole theyre only friends if you conform and its pretty releatable for the family i have left
Great advise brotha! In the end, YOU can only make you happy and in the end of the day after a loong day’s wrok, contentment sometimes comes in action figures. Keep up the great work sir! 🔥🔥🔥
Absolutely 💯 Brother ❤️❤️❤️💙💙💙 Well said 🫡🫡🫡, Many Thanks
Thank you! Just Thank you!
Thanks Ninja for that and to be honest I'm in good spirits today and I hope all of you guys have a great day regardless what's troubling you and etc.
I'm glad you good Zilla 🔥
@@ArticulatedNinja Me, too. Because I don't want to be sad, mad, depressed, or any other negative emotion. It's sucky-ducky.
Halfway through the video and you summed up my life perfectly. Eerie.
Thank you brother, love you and the ladies. ❤
🙏🏽❤️ you know we feel the same about you and the Mrs.
@@ArticulatedNinja ❤️
Love you too mython !!
@@findmyfigures2707 ❤️
These are amazing my friend. I know I always try to be there for my friends and it does suck to know that some don’t feel the same but all we can do if be there for the ones we love and let them know someone will answer the call.
Facts
I know a guy who ain't real. He traded my friendship for a GI Joe. No Lie. I'm glad they are gone.
Strong message. Thanks.
I've been through alot of abuse at home and at work these past eight years of my life. All the stress eventually led to divorce and me moving back to my home state. i chose to not give up and just fall apart and die in Vegas i left that evil city. But now i have to figure out how do i live for myself again now that i'm not living for someone else. I look at my figures and my tabletop miniatures and i tell myself "you used to love this! what happened!? why can't you bring yourself to create anymore?" I'm still trying to find the answers. I've just been struggling with what to do with myself now that i'm back on my own again.
And to the guy who got made fun of. You don't need those people in your life. Never kill part of yourself to fit in. It sucks that some people never grew out of the highschool mentality, but sadly that's how the world still runs nowadays. Keep your hobbies, because the world needs to remember that there's more to life than work and money.
thank you for your thoughts
Always the right words at the right times. Thank you very much 😌
Ayo ninja, this might sound weird, i isolated myself during the covid era 🙃during that time i physically and mentally let go of so many things go, the sacrifices of the people i let go, because i was on a one man versus me against my mind😂. I let go of my social life( thats a joke) depression was draining me. I lost myself in my room with a box of action figures and my camera, i lost myself in lights, camera action. Finding angles and Posen my figure in shadows and light.....📸 it puts a smile on my face, im ready for the day.
Hey ninja,
I really appreciate you making this video.
As of late I've been hating myself, I've been struggling to find out where I belong in life? Why can't I be happy even with money to but toys I like, 2 healthy daughters and ride or die wife, why. I tend to wake up unmotivated and down as sh*t. Suicide is no longer an option I go towards cause my family needs me but I honestly feel like if it didn't have them...I think I would dip my toe in that lake. I'm thought making videos would get me out of this funk, but it brings on a whole bunch of new issues and ramps my depression and anxiety to 10. I overthink my decisions, I wake up crying sometimes cause of nightmares of my biological patents gave me up without and reason why. I'm 39 and I want the love of my 9 yo self. I know they're are so many that have nothing and are worse off than I am, I'm trying to remember that abd to keep trucking.
Thank you for your videos man, thank you for keeping it real and I hope you continue to thrive in life brotha. ❤
This world becomes a better place if we all can thrive together in life , but thank you I appreciate it and we all have our struggles yours doesn't make you any less of a man just keep fighting the good fight and don't give into the pain/negatives , we win simply by being better versions of ourselves.
God damn it, dude.. that piece at the end about our dogs almost broke me 😭💔
💯
I have been feeling the loneliness hard these last 4 months, and the ending to this video hit real hard. I had to say goodbye to my husky I had for 16 years back in April, and the ending to this video... It took me almost 10 minutes to type this reply.
Bruh, thanks for the video and the check in. Getting over COVID-today I tested negative, so I feel a lot better. Now, let me ask you. Are you OK? You know, making these and other videos and meeting folks at conventions is great, but sometimes we forget to take our own advice. If something is going on with you and you don’t want to talk to your wives about it, you have a whole community here for you. Just give anyone of us that you know and feel comfortable with a heads up. I’m sure that anyone of us would gladly be there for you like you have been for us.
I appreciate it crump yea I'm good man but I can easily remember times I wasn't and I know tons of people out there still are not. But I appreciate that alot and thank you for supporting the channel 🙏🏽❤️
going through the same thing felt like i was getting judged for collecting action figures but now i embrace it i dont care i grew up poor and all these cool action figures i wasnt able to get as a kid so now that i have money its like im satisfying the little boy in me but for anyone going through anything it gets better i promise i was in the darkest spot 2 years ago until recently now im thriving u guys got this even if its overwhelming in the moment one thing that helps me i sit back and just say you know what man im alive couldnt be any better then that u guys got this
So thankful that no one has shamed me yet for this toy thing
Even if it ever happens it will be a bad reflection on them not you.
Keeping it real my brother. Still love these videos, so keep going.
Thank you ❤
Incredible video brotha my situation when my cuzin pass away i thought the people that gave me comfort would accept and i try share the world i had with my cuzin and they clown it...shit hurt and i drop my toys and hang out in the streets of age 14 im older now like i said i got back into buying action fig and i felt a big difference especially now my daughter gets excited with me when toys come in and hers lol god bless bro for real 💪☝🙏
You can tell my cuzo played a big part in my life ❤
Facts ya cuzo sound like a real 1 one for sure I'm sure you was lucky to experience someone like that most people never do. And it's awesome it's something you share with the lil one now ❤️
@@ArticulatedNinja for real you and ur fam stay bless
I was pleaced that you use the clip of Shaolin Shifu Shihenyi, as you can see im a shaolin master as well, thats why my channel name is this. Thanks for sharing our philosophy, it's well applied and explained in this video. Thousands blesseings of thousands Buddhas to you and all your followers 🙏
I appreciate it thank you shaolin Rick 🔥
Thank You
Great video bro, honestly, I love the positivity, a lot of us go through hard times and collecting toys is our escape. Keep up the great work!
Thank you brother this video really does help❤
Freddy in the house I hope all is well , and thank you 🙏🏽
@@ArticulatedNinja oh yeah bro we great, thanks 4 the great content.... It helps me while I'm trying to recover from an injury from work.... Thanks bro 4 all u do......
my parents started bashing me one day randomly because i wanted to pre-order a venom figure. im 17, and they told me im getting too old to collect toys anymore. that im gonna "put them away" and i wont "be able to sell them" because theyre out of the box. it's made me paranoid about purchasing figures i want, especially since i have my own money. think my dad was just pissed as fuck that morning, since he doesnt really seem to care and tells me to buy whatever i want. but this shit has been eating at my brain. my partner doesnt care about it, and supports me. he actually likes the fact that i collect figures, and my friends don't mind it too.
i've actually made friends want to buy figures just cause of how much i love the hobby and taking care after my figures and dedicating time to them. my partner wouldnt care if i had figures, and im glad that. i wanna marry my partner, since they've been so supportive of me and my interests. 4 years strong btw
It's awesome your partner is supportive of it your still really young tho man don't stress plus you seem pretty educated and well spoken , as you stated I'm sure they was having an off morning so don't let it eat away at you. Plus they come from a different time , resell value is still there plus you could be throwing ya money away in tons of worse ways don't stress it. It's not much different then buying video games all the time at 60 bucks or more a piece or sneakers ECT. We all have our things continue being proud of the little things that make you unique and you 💯
@@ArticulatedNinja thank you man. this really helped alot, my parents have off morning sometimes and this is just one of them where i was caught up in it. especially since i was just excited to have my own credit card.
they got mad at me over that new walmart venom figure, which a week later my dad pre-ordered for me since walmart was acting up for me. so it really was just an off morning, cause other times my dad is supportive of my figures.
thanks again man, this really helped a ton
Unless there is an actual Biblical command against enjoying and collecting action figures no one else's opinion about it matters.
I've heard that argument made with regards to the whole "graven images" thing.
Good thing I'm not 2 worried about what one of many religions may consider to be an issue in terms of collecting
@@banzaibobA7V Yes, that "graven images" thing is more than a bit of a stretch. Yes, people do spen a lot of time, money, and engergy on action figures, but that is still not worship.
@@ArticulatedNinja The closest and most relevant things might be "all things in moderation" or "there is a season for everything". These are very broad and vague so no one can really know what the exact and correct answer is.
I love that you do these.
I'm 50 & although my wife & I collect, my MiL doesn't get it.
It's alright tho.
The problem some times is not even with people outside the hobby. You have other collectors critize others because they don't collect the same figures they do. For example I have been getting the Jada Street fighter figures. I started getting the Storms Collectibles ones. But because they are not really 1/12 it doesn't pair with nothing else. The Jada ones are perfect. One of my friends who also collect figures makes fun of it. I also have a bunch of custom 1/6 figures. And it is the same thing. People like that just need to be ignored because they also get testy when they get criticized.
Judgement is a majority of people’s thought process. If you don’t fall into that person ideology of what they value in life expect the judgement. I’m a lonely individual when it comes to my collecting. Not too many family members are supportive of my collecting. They don’t hate on it but they don’t support it either. Not a lot of family or friends outside my house hold knows of my collection. There’s a few that have seen my collection and have been amazed. Then there’s those selected few that seen it and had the look of judgement. I just don’t let it get me. But I’ve always been an introvert anyways.
Good job not letting it get to you 💯
This guy is speaking facts
Thank you man for this
Love this series man. ❤
Thank you 🙏🏽
Thank you for these videos Ninja
Much love Ninja💜
❤
Damn Glenn Webb, i still see Spider figures and think of him. What would he say about these new figs 😢
You're a solid dude bro.
Im lucky i guess, i had never that problem. my wife started collecting because of me ( only her childhood dolls she lost). My friends (manly men lol) started collecting because of me not super hardcore but they buy 1 or 2 lines. Its all about personality i guess. People in my work know i collect, some of them have given me their childhood toys
Ninja Aman on that....
Do you own all those figures ninja they look so cool
@@lawrencehoward8565 thank you yes check my collection video I posted recently if you would like to see them plus more.
@ArticulatedNinja I've watched alot of your videos I enjoy everyone of them and you are passionate about your figures I have got alot of figures lately valaverse I've watched your channel and even got some you did videos on I went to joe fest in 2023 were I meet you guys it was a pleasure to meet you all bobby ryan you I ve watched Chad's videos he is something else 😀 keep up the videos I might make one some time in the future stay strong and have fun and may God be with you
What you said is only exclusive to toy collecting or can it be for anything?
@@averageguy1469 my motto is as long as no one is being hurt and people don't hurt themselves and it's all consenting adults involved who cares. We could be spending on worse ( crack lol or x rated parties or something worse )
@@ArticulatedNinja So, video games count, right? I was also thinking of buying an AI later on in life.
Why'd you show that video of the dog, man? That gets to me. I had a dog when I was younger he died even though I felt I could've saved him. Then my brought home another dog.