Published June 30, 2025 | By Alyx E, Founder of Collectors MD

In Episode 3 of The Collector’s Compass, we sat down with Mya—aka @bullseye_breaks—to talk about collecting with intention and the power of meaning over manipulation. Mya embodies so many of the values we stand for at Collectors MD: intention over impulse, connection over chaos, meaning over manipulation. Her collection doesn’t just reflect what’s trendy—it reflects what matters to her.

When we brought up the Collectors MD mission, the message around meaning over manipulation clicked instantly for Mya. For Mya, it’s not about profit or prestige, it’s about collecting things that genuinely meant something to her—cards that feel personal, emotional, rooted in memory, not marketing and hype.

But here’s where it gets nuanced. Because “meaning” can be manipulated too.

After sharing the clip from the episode, we received some thoughtful feedback from a supporter and friend, Dave—aka @Iowa_Dave_SportsCards—who said: “Sometimes it feels like the promise of ‘meaning’ is in itself manipulative.” And honestly? He’s right. Even “meaning” can become an internal sales pitch if we’re not careful—a way to justify overspending or chasing under the guise of something deeper. That’s the dark side of the message we’re trying to promote: when emotional resonance is exploited, not honored.

You see it everywhere if you start looking closely. A card described as “iconic” or “historic” or a “must-have grail” to inflate urgency. An emotional memory used to push someone into closing a deal they can’t afford. Even phrases like “for the PC” or “nostalgic hit” can become shields we hide behind when we don’t want to face the compulsive nature of a decision.

When meaning becomes a weapon—or a marketing hook—it loses its value.
It stops being authentic and starts becoming a tool for manipulation.

When we justify every purchase by calling it “meaningful,” we risk hiding the same compulsions behind better language. That’s why we’re not here to define what should be meaningful to you. We’re here to help you slow down and ask why—
Why this purchase? Why now? Do I truly need this—or do I just want it? Can I afford this? Or am I trying to fill a void? Am I buying with clarity—or being sold an illusion?

That’s the kind of intention we’re after. Not forced meaning. Not guilt-wrapped sentiment. Just real, mindful reflection.

Because the line between collecting with joy and collecting out of emotional dependency is razor thin. There’s a huge difference between saying, “I’ve been waiting to complete this set for months, and now it’s finally here,” and, “I need this card right now or I’ll spiral.”

The minute a card or any item for that matter stops being a want and becomes a need—especially one you feel driven to chase without clarity or context—that’s when the slope gets slippery.

So let’s keep asking the hard questions. Let’s keep checking in. Let’s keep reminding ourselves that if the “meaning” behind an item is just another way to justify overspending, then the item isn’t the issue—the story we’re telling ourselves is.

Collecting with meaning doesn’t mean every card has to change your life. But you should know why you’re buying it—and that “why” should come from you, not a breaker, not a hype reel, not the live chat, and definitely not your fear of missing out.

So take a beat. Take a breath. And ask yourself what this all really means—to you.

Collect with real intention. Not just for the story—but for yourself.

#CollectorsMD
Meaning is powerful—but only when it’s honest.

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