Most people I know collect one thing or another. I know hardly anyone who doesn't have at least a tiny obsession with a strange object. Let me share with you the object that I love to collect: spoons. Yes, you read that right, I love to collect spoons. Many people are likely wondering why, out of all of the possible objects to collect in the world, I have chosen to collect spoons.

Well, great question. My answer begins fifteen years ago when I took a job as a traveling writer for a magazine. I got the opportunity to travel to all of these amazing places throughout the U.S. and around the world. As I began my travels, my friends and family began asking me what I was going to bring them back from each location I visited.

I wasn't prepared for the way that traveling would cause a need for me to bring souveniers to friends and family. In fact, the idea had never crossed my mind. As I made my first road trip across the country I began thinking of ideas in my head for what I could bring back from all of the foreign and exotic places I traveled, or even from the state next door. I was in a coffee shop one morning when it hit me "spoons!"

I have no idea where the thought came from, but once it came it stayed. In fact, it grew to become such a strong impression that I couldn't forget about it. I had to get spoons for myself and for everyone else I knew. I thought that most people would appreciate a spoon from different places. Not only because they were a unique souvenier but also because they were something that everyone could use.

You might be shocked to learn how much the people in my life have been enjoying the spoons I am giving them. Many of them comment frequently about what a clever idea I had. My own spoons collection is growing rather nicely and is taking over an entire section of my dining room wall. I have been putting my spoons on display since I started collecting them. I now have nearly seventy spoons from our country and around the world. Some are more unique than others, but I love them all equally.

My point is this: collect something. Grab a little something special from the places you go. Choose spoons or something else entirely, but just do it. Life is worth it.