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What is Nostalgia?

It feels like forever since I last shared a new post in my What is … series. So, I think it is high time.

How often do you look at old photos, or listen to a song, which will take you years back with a sense of longing to that time. Reminiscing about the ‘good old days’ as we often put it? A feeling of nostalgia arises.

The Dictionary defines Nostalgia as a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past.

I cannot help to wonder, is this now supposed to be a good or bad experience? I suppose it all depends on the moment as well as the current mood you are in.

I have so many old photographs on my computer at home. One of my favorite pass times is putting some music on, headphones in the ears almost on full blast, browsing through the photos. I will feel the world fading to the background and reliving all the memories made.

 

Sometimes the song at the moment will make me feel sad, maybe I associate it with someone I no longer have contact with but it left a void in my life, that person’s place remains empty. Dearly missed. Other times the sadness has passed and made way for acceptance. Accepting that person cannot be in my life anymore. The times we shared made memories that will be treasured forever, but I had to accept it belongs in the past.

Maybe as time has passed I came to a level of maturity, learned that having regrets is no way of life. If I have to be honest, yes there was times in my life that was tough. Times filled with tears, maybe because of the deepest disappointment, or a heart breaking. There were times of crisis and I didn’t know if I will ever survive it. Overall, I had a good life so far. Shared so many memories with loads of good people. I have been blessed with a big family as well as a lot of friends, not friend’s that will stab you in the back. Yes, there has been a few but I learned to cut them from my life. The friends I have, is quality friends and although I don’t see some of them too often, I know they will always be there for me.

So, in conclusion, I don’t associate nostalgia with a bad feeling anymore. Instead, I get a warm fuzzy feeling inside. As I browse through the photos and memories, I realize that the good will always overshadow the bad. I once again realize that life is good.

This song always seems to invoke nostalgia in me, but it is a feel good song. I embrace the past while looking forward to the future. I hope you enjoy it.

For more in my What is… ? series, follow these below links.

What is Compassion?

What is Integrity?

What is Coincidence?

What is True Happiness?

What is Life?

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What do you think?

Written by Della

15 Comments

  1. I always try to remember the good ‘old’ memories to remind me how far I have come. A way to strengthen me. For me, songs are the ones that remind me of past memories.

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    • It’s always a good idea to reminisce about good old days. That’s how we stay thankful of what we have been through already and also give us hope for the future.

  2. Nostalgia. Hmmm. There were times when we, four witches, and sometimes with the kids, would watch travel photos then relive hard-to-forget moments. Those are usually happy and loud occasion. Imagine 4 women laughing and talking all at the same time. Throw in the kids. And you will get a picture of riot ??. Alone, though, I hardly do it these days since I try to be in the moment. My favorite One Republic’s song is Counting Star but this one, you are right, is nice too.

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    • That sounds like a lot of fun. Would love to be a fly on the wall ?.
      I must say since this song I became a huge fan of all their music. I love Counting Stars as well.

  3. Della, you’ve once again hit the nail on the head.

    1. I do my family history project sharing all those pictures so that i don’t have regret for all the unseen pictures.
    2. As we get older it is harder and harder to let go of the things we regret. Thank you for the gentle nudge in that direction!

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