Nothing beats reminiscing about fun past memories, whether than be your childhood, school days, or any other fun times.
I had a humanities teacher one-time ask my class: if your house was burning down and you could choose to save one thing, what would it be? Sure it was one of those generic, icebreaker questions but her personal answer has stayed with me ever since. So now, if I ask you the same question, what would it be? (Let’s assume all of your family members and pets are saved)
My initial instinct, as silly as it may sound, was to save my beloved childhood stuffy: a green duck that I received one Easter. If I had been asked to pick otherwise, I might’ve gone with personal journals, electronics, etc. But, my teacher revealed that she would save all her photos. I had been exasperated at myself for not choosing that. It was so obvious, but in this presented scenario, photos had never once crossed my mind.
Some may oppose that you could always save your electronics and reprint your photos, but a large number of photos at my home were brought over from my home country – the camera and film would have been long gone. Sure, photos may not seem very profound, but that little activity made me realize the importance of my past.
For some, the “good ol’ days” may not refer to childhood times. Generally, I didn’t begin to use this term nostalgically until I reached high school. Only when I realized how much I had to be thankful for – such as time, opportunities, and ‘parental-assisted commute’ (I like to call it, a.k.a. being driven around rather than taking public transit) – did I properly notice how well off I was in grade school and junior high.
Lots of times, we are beaten into keeping a tunnelled vision: focus on the future, …the future, … future… until it becomes a tireless phrase. And for a long time, you get dragged along, having no time to look back on your prideful, joyful, and cheerful moments. Instead, you’re consistently in the presence of a foreboding, uncertain future, with muscles taut, jaws clenched and fingers tapping.
I was told, when I was quite young, that it never gets easier. I never believed this but deep down knowing that I was aware, I just didn’t want to believe it. It’s true. And although it never gets easier, it’s important to not get caught up in an endless cycle of work exhaustion. Look back.
But when I think back, I always remember that one embarrassing moment back in Grade 4 …” is what many of you may think. Relatable? Yes. Relevant? Not so much. Maybe try to think back on road trips, memorable play dates, movies and so on – any moment that makes you grateful and want to be taken back to.
Time to time I catch myself thinking about these fun-filled memories. Like:
1) That one shirt with buttons I’d love to fiddle with and wish was still being produced in my size
2) Deliberating how to spell pterodactyl during the sixth grade spelling bee
3) Karaoke-ing during long road trips
4) Waiting three hours in line just to get ice cream in Cochrane (must go!)
5) (And of course) The classic marshmallow roasting around a toasty campfire
Things like these are what make me feel why nothing can compare to the good ol’ days.
