nostalgia–noun
1. a wistful desire to return in thought or in fact to a former time in one’s life, to one’s home or homeland, or to one’s family and friends; a sentimental yearning for the happiness of a former place or time: a nostalgia for his college days.
—-Dictionary.com
The above cartoon can be interpreted two ways. A former office mate of mine would say it just reinforces his favorite saying
Cheer up. Things are bound to get worse.
That’s too grim for me, of course. Instead the cartoon reminds me of an article I read when I was a young adult. The author had just moved to a new locality and was feeling homesick for the old one. Then she noticed that was her standard way of operating. She never appreciated her present life while she had it. She appreciated it only after she had left. She decided that was dumb, so she coined the phrase nostalgic for the present. From that day forth she would consciously notice and appreciate what she would miss if she had to move again. Needless to say, she was a lot happier.
I took that article to heart. To me it’s the key to happiness:
The secret of happiness is to ask yourself every day:
- What’s good about my life?
- What needs to be done?
- How can I get this done and enjoy the process?
It works for me. What about you?
Yes, that works for me too. I love the present, but miss the past. The past was no better, not as good really, but I miss Youth. Oh to be young again & appreciate it. Youth shouldn’t be wasted on the young.
For most people most days I think. Not for those dealing with present of past trauma.
bikehikebabe,
If you were young again, what would you do?
Evan,
Is there anything you’re nostalgic for?
I’d become a psychologist (maybe) or a dancer instead of an organist. I’d be more outgoing. I’d not be afraid of the unknown. I’d show more love to those I love. I’d remember to always be kind. Heck, I can do those things NOW.
bikehikebabe,
Well said! We may have suffered some losses but we have a lot more freedom now than when we were younger. I wouldn’t go back. I especially like not worrying…both about the future and about what other people think about me.
I wouldn’t go all the way back…some parts of my past life are best forgotten…
I wouldn’t mind being back there, but doing the new things of now then – so I would have more time in the future to grow with them…(does that make sense!)
Of course, then I couldn’t do what I’m doing now – and maybe because I am doing it now, I am appreciating it more…(again does that make sense!!)
one of my friends recently said to me “when you tell (either verbally or by email) a story, I really love it because you now embellish to a point where I’m in it with you. But when I tell a story I can’t seem to make it sound so interesting…” (I actually thought her story was just fine and said so)…
Those three stated differently, work for me too.
Cathy,
I’m more like your friend than you. You have a gift. 🙂