Missing My Little Pony Collecting

[Beth3346]

So its been almost a year since I bought my last pony (A Dutch Love Letter that I adore!!)

After that I decided to take a break from collecting. It was mainly for financial reasons and my collecting was getting a little out of control.

The problem is I didn't think I would be taking such a long break. I expected to be collecting again in a few months but I still haven't started up again.  My financial situation is starting improve so I should be able to start soon if i want but I haven't been able to get motivated.  I still love MLP and my current collection. I don't want to sell off my collection or anything.  I'm just not as excited about buying more ponies.

I guess its not really a problem but I was curious to know if anyone else has felt this way at one time or another

[brightberry]

haha... Yes, I've felt that way.  I don't think you have to buy more ponies to be a mlp collector.  I have multiple collections that I'm keeping but don't plan on adding any more to.  Sooner or later, we have to kick back and enjoy what we have.

[Jinxxy]

Due to space and such, I am seriously downsizing my collection. I am selling off every pony that I feel "Meh" about and not worrying about complete sets at all.. that REALLY saves a lot of space!!

That being said, once I realized who I could part with, it really got me motivated to acquire the few grails I have left. It kicked my booty into high gear because (for example) I want all of the mountain boys, and as a result though selling and such I am able to get closer to my goals.
It's strange that my goal is to have a smaller collection and I mostly have all of the ponies I need, but at the same time my enthusiasm and excitement for ponies has if anything gotten bigger! I don't think that being happy with where your collection is at makes you less of a collector, you just might have completed all of your wants, and how cool is that?

<3

[Stormness_1]

Adding to your collection, isn't what collecting is about, it's loving what you have! It sounds like you're really content at the moment - sometimes we buy to fill an emotional hole, and you should be glad you don't have any to fill!

[ravengusty]

I stalk ebay  everyday
While I waiting for the last three of my most recent purchases I've been looking at other auctions and checking out bundles.
I'm going to have to work out a distinct list of ponies to set as my goals before it takes over my mind eek

[achab1984]

I was like that one time, I didn't even go in the toy isle to look at ponies. Its ok if you not in the mood to buy any new ponies. I guess we should all just be happy to have what we have. I tell myself that a lot and that I do not need more or can wait to get some more..........I seem to be losing that thought.

[Vintergatan]

I actually rarely buy ponies online. I don't have an ebay account and I only buy ponies here when I've sold enough ponies Otherwise I get the thrifting and locally I think it's good that you don't feel like buying more ,especially if you had a "problem" with it before. So just stick to loving your collection and maybe going to garage sales and such looking for new ones to save

[Stormrave]

There are times over a year goes by without my getting another pony....but I still love the collection I have.  Collecting is not about buying.  Collecting is about loving ponies.  I think sometimes as collectors we can mistake "getting stuff" for "enjoying our collection" and those aren't the same thing.  I also think you were wise to curb your collecting when you had less free spending money.

[ravengusty]

When I can't afford to buy ponies I just like to brush their manes and tails and re-arrange them. It helps me relax when I'm stressed out. My collection is quite small at the moment but even if yours is large maybe just enjoying them by moving them around within your display would be good.

As some have said collecting is about enjoying your collection not just obtaining it.

[lovesbabysquirmy]

Ahhhhh...  it's normal to be that way.  Collect because you enjoy collecting.    Don't stress that you're not actively buying!  Just come back when you feel ready to!

[hathorcat]

Collecting is not about buying.  Collecting is about loving ponies.  I think sometimes as collectors we can mistake "getting stuff" for "enjoying our collection" and those aren't the same thing.

Yes this - x 100!

Its natural to go in cycles as well - perhaps have a little buying surge or 2 and then sit back and enjoy our ponies or simply not purchase at all for an extended period. I am at the stage there isnt really much left to buy...so I am enjoying my collection and trying to organise it.

I would only worry if you simply no longer enjoyed your collection and couldnt be bothered with it. If thats the case then perhaps its time for radical rethink.

But as long as you love your ponies and your enjoy your collection, you are as much a collector as someone hitting up ebay daily.

[Beth3346]

Thanks everyone I'm glad I'm not the only one

I do feel that I am satisfied with my collection. I keep my collection out in my home office where I spend most of my day. I still pick them up and brush their hair sometimes and I smile whenever I look at it.

When I was collecting before I was pretty much buying any pony I didn't have.  I pretty much always had some ponies on the way. After a while it was a little overwhelming.

I agree collecting is not about buying more all the time. I am happy that I am getting to the point where I can be happy with the collection I have.

I don't think I'm completely done adding to my collection but I'm hoping that I will just add more slowly.