Thank you everyone for your responses and some of the details behind the longer history of the forum. It has an interesting backstory.

It also makes sense that the forum means something a little bit different for everyone, but the common theme seems to be "live well."

I've definitely struggled with the concept that things can bring meaning and purpose. Some of them can, but when the act of acquisition becomes overwhelming I start to feel miserable. Starting collections of various things has done that to me a few times throughout my life. It never made me happier in the long run, despite the "thrill of the chase." As each collection piled up, I felt like it more controlled me than consoled me. The dopamine highs wear off fast. As one of the ancient Cynics said: "He doesn't own a fortune, his fortune owns him."

The book "Goodbye, Things," by Fumio Sasaki, started my latest venture down this simpler path. It includes tips for ways to reframe the meaning of objects. Despite the help it offered, I still buy too many books. More than I can read, which then overwhelms me. I'm getting there, but every once in a while I suddenly buy about 10 books all at once. Some of them I read and some I discover on my shelf 10 years later. I suppose much worse addictions exist.

Thank you again for all of your input!