I have not purchased a sports card since February 22, 2025—75 days ago. That may not seem like a long time to some, but to me, it feels like a lifetime. The first week was easy—mainly because I was riding a wave of buyer’s remorse. But then, the days started to stretch out, and the urges didn’t just disappear. I kept Instagram and Whatnot on my phone. I kept telling myself I was fine because I wasn’t buying any cards—I was just watching. But that was a lie I told myself. Watching breaks, engaging in chats, staying connected to the hype—it kept the cravings alive. I told myself I was okay because I hadn’t spent any money. But was I really okay? Eventually, I told my wife and my therapist. I needed to be honest—not just for them, but for me. We talked, and I realized those apps needed to go. They weren’t serving me any good. So I deleted them. And something shifted. The days started to move faster. The cravings were still there, but they were quieter. I found new ways to fill my time—not all of them healthy. Food became a bit of a new comfort. But I also read a book, went to the movies, kept a journal, focused on my job, played with my kids, helped with chores, and found myself more present in my own life. This is one of the best times of the year for sports—playoff basketball and hockey. And as a Colorado sports fan, I’ve leaned into that. Being a fan again instead of a collector in chaos. 75 days doesn’t seem like much. But for me, it’s a new chapter. I don’t know if I’ll ever go back to collecting the way I used to. But I do know I can make it another 75 days. #CollectorsMD —
Every day without the chase is a victory.
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