On Nostalgia

Some of the things I've forgotten about

History repeats itself. For everyone who witnesses a child grow knows that they will experience feelings they didn’t know they held anymore. They’ll circulate memories that had been long forgotten, or long abandoned for something a little less painful. Replaced with more significant memories that feel more encouraging or true to the desired story. Upon revisiting, the hidden hurt feelings and confusions trigger nostalgia—a rose-colored lens that brings joy and play into growing up. It’s like eating a PB&J. You know what I mean. Although it can be universally acknowledged, it is based in personal experience. The instances in which I feel a sense of nostalgia, may not bring the same pleasure for my mother or daughter, even if we experienced something together. The beauty of nostalgia is that it’s nuanced by time and perspective.