As we get older, living in the past is common. Our brains accumulate more memories as we age. Most nostalgic memories are positive and produce a rush of euphoria or happiness. When you’re having fun, that’s when the best memories are made.
Can a picture make you happy? Just think how you feel when you see an old photo of a high school sweetheart or, for us men, our first car — mine was a 67 Chevy Super Sport. I love sitting with kids or grandkids on the couch and looking through old photo albums of vacation pictures, loved ones who have left us, family celebrations or slender adventures.
Better yet, music from the past always brings up fond memories: first prom — “Blue Velvet,” listening to the car radio — 93 KHJ — while dragging main; Creedence, The Beatles, Doors, Monkeys and many more; our wedding dance, Vicky and I practiced our waltz for days.
Even fragrances we smell produce strong flashbacks. I always remember my first girlfriend when I smell Leur de Taump perfume. When I smell lilac blossoms I think of my mother; they were her favorite. Pine candles remind me of my brother, and the smell of Vitalis hair tonic reminds me of Dad’s slicked-back hair. The smell of baked bread brings me back to Aunt Jeannie’s ranch. She made dozens of fresh-baked rolls at Thanksgiving. The anticipation from the aroma right out of the oven — unbearable. I would sneak eat six before dinner.
I’m waining nostalgic with these memories.
Dr Nicolas Evans, Ph.D., states, “The memories people reflect on when experiencing nostalgia are ones that are significant, meaningful or monumental. They help define a person’s life or tie together one’s life story. Thinking about key moments from your past might help you feel better about yourself today.”
Memory is part of the soul, along with reason (free will) and imagination. It sets us apart from the animals. Only human beings are made in God’s image.
Thinking about things past, even if they have a tinge of sadness — like the death of my son — allow us to understand where we’ve been in our lives and see the meaning of the people we’ve known along the way. Nostalgia can boost our self-esteem, our social connections and feelings of gratitude.
I’ve been reading my journals from the past 40 years. Wow, what a trip down memory lane. What a gift they are to me now, to see how God has blessed me and my family in our ups and downs of life. I can see how He protected me from dying many times to give me the chance to repent and give my life to Him.
For people experiencing chronic pain or loneliness, fond memories, especially of loved ones or listening to music can decrease perceptions of emotional and physical pain. If I end up at the nursing home, I want a digital photo screen with all my old photos constantly playing to keep me sane and full of fond memories.
Now, when I wake in the middle of the night, I like to think of those happenings from the past: a hike with a special friend, teaching algebraic functions or a fun day of skiing. God gave us memory to help us remember where we came from so we can be grateful for where we are now and help us plan for the future.
So, let’s take a trip down memory lane and thank God for this gift.
This column may include both fiction and nonfiction, and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of The SUN. Submissions can be sent to editor@pagosasun.com.
