Hard times; Does this hobby contribute to make hard times easier for you?

Collecting
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Going through some hard times myself, with bodily health issues specifically, I was wondering about how the hobby makes hard times a little easier for you. Just being volnurable and wanting to share a little

Hope its okay. And hope others are willing to share.

Hard times are a part of life. Its what evolves you. Without them, no evolution happens (without that level 60 elite four grind, no leveling up to level 100 happens). Life on Earth can be that elite four grind. But it makes us stronger.

In what ways has this hobby, collecting, trading, talking about it, made things easier in hard times? Or has it ever (maybe not?)?

Are you going through something right now maybe?

I know other more important things ofc are more substantial in those times, but still… a small hobby can lift your spirit sometimes.

Im getting a Nidoran from the base set today for instance, that lifts me a little.
Forgot all about the fact that I ordered it some weeks ago. Couldnt have come at a better time. Brings me back to my childhood. Nidoran was one of those throwaway cards that we used to flip against others (we never played the real tcg, we only literally threw them against others, with the flip-up being a win. Lmao. I used to be nervous af right at the moment when throwing a holo Alakazam for a holo Gyarados for instance. Everything was at stake. But Nidoran? We didnt care)

Never had the guts to steal holo ones , but have to admit that I used to steal this one (and Pidgey!) here and there from other students in 3rd grade, just to have more to play for (I was a stupid little brat back then lol). Truly a throwaway card tho

Brings back some memories from the 90’s.

As you can see, the hobby, even as im writing, brings forth a smile on my face. The memories for each card are real and are connected deeply to a kind of a happy-go-lucky childhood w/o the same heaviness of adult life (with all the responsibilities, crisis moments, surprises, and ups and downs in general)

Again, back to the base of the question;
Hard times, are they alleviated a little by this hobby? Maybe not? In what way? Are you going through something atm that might mitigated even if a little by the hobby?

Brainstorming some questions only, Answer to your liking. However you see fit.

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For me personally, entering the hobby probably started off with cards, but it is not the cards anymore. It is the amazing people that I have connected with. I love the folks here and I genuinely belive most of us are connected by the passions we share for Pokemon and collecting crads. I also believe that most of our opinions, whether taken positively or negatively also stem from a place of passion. I would say over the last 2 years or so, the interactions with these people have gone beyond just seeng what cards they have but also getting to know them as people. This has massively helped me get over my feelings of envy (seeing others get the cards I wish I had). I am now genuinely happy when someone gets their chase card or completes a collection goal. I think for me this is the best ‘personal development’ I have had, which also has helped me in my personal life.

I would like to believe being here has made me a better person / father than I was a few years ago. I hope this will also help me deal with the not so good times which will happen to every person. I know the love and warmth I would get if anyday I were to share about my difficult times with my friends here, which I think is a pretty amazing outcome for just being in this hobby.

On some levels I know it is wrong for me to have expectations but, I have come to a realization that there are so few people in my life who understand what it is to be a collector here that I have assumed now that the same people will truly understand what my real-life troubles are. I do hope I never have to burden them with any. On the other hand, my only hope is to come across as a genuine friend with whom people can share their troubles with or vent since the most I can do is listen, which at times is all you need.

Also, congratulations and kudos for remembering your childhood with nostalgia and fondness. I know not every person can say the same thing, so you have a lot of positive already going for you. I hope you are doing what is needed (medically) to be able to resolve your health issues. I really hope you start to feel better soon and back to your healthier self.

Remember that man lives only in the present, in this fleeting instant; all the rest of his life is either past and gone, or not yet revealed. (Meditations, 3.10)

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I can definitely say that Pokemon has always been a wonderful ‘escape’ at times so to speak. When I was a young child, I grew up in paycheck-to-paycheck type household. A lot of times my parents weren’t around, and I have many vivid memories of playing Pokemon games and collecting the cards between 1999-2002 or so for many hours on end along with my older siblings. It always puts me in a different ‘place’ in my head so to speak; one of joy, nostalgia and overall comfort.

I’ve had similar experiences during the past few years. There’s just something about stepping away from everything else and putting binders and sets together that feels so satisfying & relaxing. Even just organizing cards and viewing them is a great way to step away from all the noise of life and put yourself in a better headspace. I think that in the world we are in now it’s very beneficial to step away from computers/phone for extended periods of time as well, and Pokemon cards allows me to do that more often than not (unless of course I am glued to the auctions :sweat_smile:).

Anyway, I am big advocate for being a ‘child’ throughout life. I don’t mean in a literal sense, but in terms of having a positive and humble mindset at all times. People have sometimes laughed at me for being an adult and collecting Pokemon still, but they also laugh at me for practicing religion/spirituality as well. But you know what, I am happier than I’ve ever been by ignoring the noise and doing what I enjoy the most and doing things that are meaningful to me, my family and my community. Life is just way too short to not make your own path and find your true purpose in life, and that is what brings me internal peace & fulfillment in the long run.

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@mrbubbles

Love the Meditations Quote. One of my fave people of all time Eckhart Tolle often quotes it, and judging by the quote you used, the Now as he underlines often, is what you also base life on it seems.

Based on the few interactions we’ve had, I easily see that its about the people for you. You seem like genuinely kind and good person, who as you say, ofc wouldnt want to burden anyone with personal problems (because we all have them), but know that there is a community here that is open for interactions like these.

What I loved in your response tho, was the fact that you that you kudosed me on my childhood nostalgia. Didnt occur to me until you said it, that things that are not taken for granted for everyone; a happy childhood, shouldn’t be taken for granted, but rather celebrated, even in hard times. Theres wisdom in that.

Also; I believe every avenue of life that the universe brings you, whether its mundane or big, can bring self development. In your case the forum has been a wonderful catalyst for growth, as well as positive in and of itself because of the people. To have that insight and meta-way of thinking about one’s own processes is big

@jabby spiritual people get the short end of the stick socially, huh? :joy: I know, since I am one myself. What spiritual path are you on? Personally, as I said to Mr Bubbles, I love Eckhart Tolle and that path; the non dual path. There is something to the non-digital tangability of cards, and honestly the PKMN franchise itself, that brings about the escapism that is sometimes needed as you say. Its not necessarily the cards even. Its the whole pkmn world. There is magic there

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Appreciate the well wishes btw :folded_hands:t4: hopefully things will turn out well

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For sure, in the West at least it’s had a pretty massive decline (religion, spirituality, etc). Personally, I am fairly devout Catholic. I fell away from it for a time, but returned the past few years and had a strong revival with it and really dug into it a lot more. So much more info to absorb now compared to when I was a kid, so I get a lot more out of it than ever. I love spending time praying/meditating and volunteering at times in the poor communities where I live. Very eye opening & humbling experience with all of these things.

What’s really interesting is that one of our former Pope’s actually ‘blessed’ the Pokemon franchise back in the day:

This was so interesting to me because I knew other kids whose parents wouldn’t let them play or collect Pokemon as they deemed it ‘satanic’ or ‘evil’. Meanwhile, it wasn’t even a 2nd thought in my family. It was nothing but a positive, even my parents thought it was great how it brought so many kids together back in the day.

So yeah, Pokemon has been nothing but a positive in my life & others, it’s really a special thing.. and it’s very rare historically for our Church to give a Blessing and/or positive reception to a non-religious creation or idea!

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I have a friend who’s a devout catholic. Love his take on life. Personally, even though I’m not religious in the traditional sense, Christ has always been close to my heart.

I know there are some Jehovas Witnesses who view some pop cultural things as demonic and etc, but the Catholic Faith seems to be more accepting to these things. The pope blessing pokemon is a win tbh

They accepted the idea of e.t life also, didnt they?

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That’s great :grinning_face:. Yes, some groups have strong views on these subjects and other areas of life. I can sort of see where they’re coming from at times (materialism, etc), but for us it’s just a matter of striking a healthy balance (i.e. temperance). Moderation and temperance is key with a lot of things I find.

With ET Life, not official stance has been made. Still deemed a ‘mystery’, but also a possibility given what we know so far of the vastness of the universe. Personally, I believe this universe is filled with both miracles and mysteries as well, and that there’s so much we still don’t know yet. I wouldn’t rule anything out!

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Yes but it has its limits, when things are difficult in bearable way pokemon definitely makes things easier, but when difficult times cross a certain level i find myself stepping further from pokemon too. Hate it to be like that but at least i know that when things ease a bit it’s always enjoyable to return and be more active with pokemon again

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I have always relied on my hobbies during hard times, whether for a distraction, or for a flood of nostalgia and memories of easier times. The really wonderful thing about Pokemon is that it can be enjoyed in many different mediums (TCG, anime, movies, video games, plush, merchandise, music, art, etc.), and there is always something to learn if you have the time and desire.

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@Dyl if theres one thing I should be doing, especially since im on that digital media balance stuff, its to learn the proper tcg. Thats a cool way to spend offline time with the franchise

@joponnes you’re like me then. Sometimes, in really hard times, nothing is fun, so I too step away

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I remember playing Pokemon Blue under a park light since we couldnt afford electricity one summer. It was something I looked forward to and cherished those moments when we had so little.

A few years ago my daughter was going through some troubles and we found comfort in Pokemon. She isnt a huge fan but enjoyed drawing them and sorting my cards. I would sit with her while we talked and sorted bulk.

Pokemon and skateboarding are two things that put me in my happy place. Going through a binder or jumping on my board after a rough day will always put a smile on my face.

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I’d say Pokemon Violet kind of does the same for me now. It complements the good times. (Especially now as its on Switch 2 and finally playable lol. Me playing it for the first time is definitely a plus)

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