A Journey Down Memory Lane

“Nostalgia is a file that removes the rough edges from the good old days.” -Doug Larson

Nostalgia: A sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations.

The word nostalgia was coined in the 17th century by Swiss physician Johannes Hofer. At that time, it was considered a mental disorder/disease prevalent among soldiers who wanted to return home. In Greek, the word nostalgia means pain from an old wound.?

Today, nostalgia, the delightfully filtered memories of times past, are considered extremely beneficial to the overall well being of the individual.

Five Boons of Nostalgia:

Fourth Dimensional

While the future is vague, amorphous, and unpredictable, the past represents a finished whole that cannot be altered. Nostalgia is the vehicle that lovingly and gingerly links the continuum of the past to the present, making the unknown future tolerable. Nostalgia is the bearer of hope. It’s a moment in time that holds all other time together.

A True Companion

Loneliness is an epidemic easily avoided through nostalgia. Nostalgia is the authentic version of social media. It is the true connection to the past versions of the people, places, and things that have left emotional and sentimental imprints upon one’s memory.

Perfect Imperfection

Nostalgia extracts the wonderfulness of the tastes, sounds, smells, and feelings associated with a particular time and place. It is a reminder that there is hope and beauty in the crevasses of all memories. It is the assurance that perfection exists within the imperfection.?

Time Preserved

Memory is the retained value of the moment. It is the future life of the present moment. Nostalgia is the time traveler’s machine.

Optimism

Nostalgia is the optimism and inspiration, purpose, and youthfulness that lives within each person. It is the light.

It becomes increasingly easy, as you get older, to drown in nostalgia. - Ted Koppel