1. The “Just Because” Collection
Some things I carry with me make sense. Keys, wallet, phone — obviously. But then there’s a category of stuff that’s not exactly practical but stays with me anyway. I call them my “just because” things.
Like this notebook I almost never write in. It’s small, kind of beat up now, but I like having it. There’s something about the idea that I could write something profound in it at any moment. Spoiler: I never do. But it makes me feel more prepared, I guess? Or like the kind of person who writes poetry in coffee shops (even though I don’t).
2. Objects That Quietly Stay
I also keep a rock in my coat pocket. No joke. Picked it up at a beach years ago. It’s flat and smooth and kind of reddish. When I’m in line or walking or stressed, my hand just finds it. Not sure if that counts as grounding or if I’m just weirdly sentimental.
Then there’s this plastic dinosaur. It’s tiny. No function. But I found it in a box of my old stuff and couldn’t throw it away. Now it lives in my bag. It’s not a good luck charm or anything, it just makes me smile. Sometimes that’s enough.
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3. The Practical Things That Stuck Around
Someone gave me a plastic free lip balm as a gift and I didn’t think much of it. But then winter hit and I realized I didn’t hate it. I actually liked it more than the glossy ones that taste like fake fruit. This one just worked. No plastic, no mess, no weird flavor. So it stayed.
Another thing: a sticker I haven’t stuck on anything yet. I bought it at a flea market. It’s a cartoon pigeon with a coffee cup. No idea where to put it. But I love it. It floats around in my wallet like a paper mascot.
4. Memories in Receipts and Randomness
Sometimes I keep receipts way too long. Not for returns. Just because they remind me I was there at that place, at that time. Like the one from that overpriced croissant I got in New York when I was freezing and tired and the city felt too big. But the croissant was warm and perfect, and for a moment I didn’t feel lost.
There’s also stuff I carry for other people. A Band-Aid in case a friend needs it. A hair tie even though I shaved my head. A pen that doesn’t leak (finally). These aren’t big heroic gestures, just little backups for when the world gets mildly annoying.
5. A Bag Full of Small Stories
And yes, sometimes I keep things I probably shouldn’t. Like ticket stubs. Dead earbuds. A single glove I’m sure I’ll find the match for someday (lies). But maybe that’s the charm of it. These things aren’t useful, but they’re a little honest. A little human.
A friend once asked why I still use that old zip-up pouch instead of buying a new bag. I shrugged. It holds my weird collection of objects perfectly. That includes the lip balm, the rock, a snack bar, some change, and recently, a small tin of zero waste deodorant I picked up on a whim. I thought I’d hate it. It turned out fine. Better than fine. Like, actually decent. Smelled good. Didn’t melt all over everything. Stayed.
I think we all carry things like this. Not for show. Not for necessity. But because they remind us of something small and good. A version of ourselves that’s silly or thoughtful or calm. And that matters more than we admit.
So yeah, the next time you see someone digging through their bag for five minutes, maybe they’re just looking for their dinosaur. Or their pigeon sticker. Or the rock that helps them breathe for a second. Let them.
