Do you listen to podcasts? I haven’t until recently, and even then, it is difficult for me to pick up in the middle of a podcast. Should I go back and listen from the beginning? That will just set me back even further in the listening queue. I received an email with a link to a podcast from Gretchen Rubin (I have read several of her books and will link them below).  So I listened this morning without going back and starting from episode 1 and surprisingly, I enjoyed it.

(I started listening to books/podcasts in response to this post)

A small part of the 34-minute podcast was a note from a listener. The listener said they buy one or three postcards from their travels of significant memories of the trip such as their favorite art piece at the museum. Postcard as souvenirs don’t take much room to pack, requires no customs, and stored in a small tin at home. She writes a note on the back of the card to herself which captures more memories of the trip!

Genius!

What a genius idea of buying postcards as souvenirs! The cost is minimal and you still get the feeling of ‘buying something’ from your trip.

I remember in my parent’s basement a couple of little dolls from their visit to Pennsylvania and Amish Country. I asked my mom why she didn’t have them on display. She said they were just silly little dolls and wished she wouldn’t have bought them. But she couldn’t throw them away either.  I asked her why she didn’t just throw them away and she couldn’t give me an answer and just ushered me out of the room. There is something about buying a souvenir on a trip. Then there is something about having to get rid of it afterward.

How Many Things are Too Many Things?

I have a child who cannot throw away anything because it is all significant to him. I have the same struggle with anything I create. (At what point does my pile of paper become a fire hazard?) I understand the struggle of loving things, but I also understand the struggle of having too many things.

This idea of selecting a postcard to commemorate the best moments of your trip is fantastic, plus you keep a short journal entry on the back for even better memories.

Here are the Reasons to Buy Postcards as Souvenirs

(I’ve adapted this list from the podcast and added my own thoughts)

• Choose the best memories from your trip
• You don’t have to take pictures all the time
• Your friends can help you choose which one you want to take home
• Easy to pack
• Doesn’t take much space on the trip home
• No Customs
• Inexpensive
• Write a note on the back for memories
• Easy to store at home, doesn’t take much space at home
• Buy two or three of them without guilt
• Isn’t a picture worth a thousand….trinkets?

If I find more gems like this from podcasts, I may have to make an effort to listen to more! And travel more. I definitely need to travel more just so I can buy postcards as souvenirs as if that’s the only reason.

Remember to plan your life so you live beautifully and don’t be afraid to find your inner muse.

~Tricia