A personal reflection – on memory, meaning, and small treasures
I’d like to invite you to explore a glimpse into my world of collecting, where every object tells a story and sparks creativity. Collecting has always been a big part of my life, and it’s something I love sharing with others in an autism-friendly way. For me, each item is like a doorway into a memory: a pressed flower from a quiet walk, a keyring from a place that felt like home. In this piece, I’ll share the stories behind my collections.
I’m a creative person who finds joy in colouring, drawing, watching shows, and diving deep into my special interests. For me, collecting is part of that same creative rhythm; it’s a way to explore what I love, hold onto meaningful moments, and spark ideas for future projects. Each item I collect, whether it’s a figure, a keyring, or a shell, feels like a tiny archive of my experiences. These objects carry stories, textures, and emotions that help me understand myself and the world around me.
As an autistic young person, I’ve found that collecting has become a way for me to explore my interests and understand myself more deeply. Each object brings comfort, joy, and a sense of calm. Over time, my collections have evolved into a kind of visual map, tracing memories, experiences, and creative growth.
Little Joys, I keep
Collecting helps me understand myself more deeply. Some items remind me of special days, people I’ve met, or places I’ve visited. Others connect to my favourite shows or hobbies. My collections are like tiny archives of my life; all these interests and memories are woven together.
My collections aren’t carefully curated or displayed; most of them live tucked away in a musical box or quietly alongside my everyday life. I don’t collect to impress or organise. I collect because these objects hold something personal: a memory, a feeling, a moment I want to keep close. Just knowing they’re there brings comfort. They remind me of who I’ve been, what I’ve loved, and how I’ve grown, even when I’m not looking at them.
Here’s a photo of my keyring collection. Each piece has a story, a memory, or a feeling attached. Looking at them reminds me why collecting has always been so meaningful to me, and why it continues to bring me comfort, joy, and inspiration.
The Morocco Keyrings
Some of the most meaningful pieces in my collection are the four keyrings I brought back from Morocco. Each one feels like a tiny fragment of the country’s spirit: a scorpion preserved in resin, both strange and fascinating; a camel stamped with the word “Morocco,” evoking the desert landscapes; a miniature Aladdin’s lamp, shimmering with a sense of magic and story; and a small drum, echoing the rhythms of the markets. Together, they remind me of the colours, sounds, and textures of my trip. These keyrings aren’t just souvenirs – they’re anchors to a place that felt alive with history and culture, and they let me carry that memory with me wherever I go.
The Spain Keyrings
From Spain, I brought home a colourful parrot keyring I found near the Aracena caves. Its bright feathers remind me of the excitement of exploring somewhere new, and it carries the energy of that trip in a small, playful form. I also picked up two shells from a market stall – smooth, patterned, and cool to the touch. They’re simple objects, but they hold the memory of wandering through the stalls, surrounded by colour and sound. Together, these keyrings and shells remind me that collecting isn’t just about the objects themselves, but also the moments and places they carry with them.
Collecting Beyond Keyrings
While keyrings are at the heart of my collection, they’re not the only treasures I keep. I also collect shells, postcards, cards, ceramics, and even small items from my childhood. Each of these objects carries its own kind of memory – some are playful, some are grounding, and some are tied to heritage. Together, they form a wider archive of my life, showing how collecting isn’t just about objects, but about holding onto meaning in many different forms
Closing Reflection
Collecting doesn’t have to be complicated or big; it’s about the connections we make, the memories we hold, and the happiness that small things can bring. For me, my collections are a reminder that joy can be found in the details, and that even the smallest objects can hold the biggest meanings.
I hope this post inspires you to celebrate your own treasures and reflect on the memories your items carry.