Nostalgia or Numbing?
“Distance not only gives nostalgia, but perspective, and maybe objectivity.”
I admire man’s ability to tango with the woes of life. The challenges we face daily that affect our diets, pockets, and mental and emotional well-being. One’s ability to adapt is a characteristic of a well balanced and fulfilled life. I fear in some ways, we’ve lost the appreciation for our talents, capabilities, and zhush. Life is hard and it seems like it’s gotten harder by day, so we (myself) included have formed an unhealthy relationship with nostalgia to cope. Nostalgia in essence is beautiful, it is a reminder that we are actively living in the creativity, and uniqueness of our ancestors. We take momentos of inspiration from those who’ve come before or even lived experiences to help cultivate more fruitful lives, but I believe in moderation.
There is a fine line between nostalgia, reminiscing, and dissociation. We must remember that nostalgia, or “the glory days” as some of us like to call it, can only be because of present people. Present people are the orchestrators of timelessness, and without that, I fear we are forfeiting the capacity to be joyous and colorful. Reality can be bleak at times, but without reality, there is no future, there is no creativity, there is no spark, there is no authenticity, there is no life. As we learn to juxtapose the hardships of life and the bliss of the present, I hope we find a middle ground to believe, and live for the future of what can and should be.