I always talk with my friends about songs we associate with a certain person or time period, emotional ties that teleport you right back to a different era of life. It’s always jarring when a playlist is on “shuffle,” and then all of a sudden, the first few notes take you back in time.
Sometimes, being reminded of moments we aren’t the proudest of, or stories we wish we could rewrite can be hard, but to me, this strong association is a testament to the value that each experience of our life holds. This idea is not just limited to songs, but clothes, weather, scents and more.
For the past week, I have come home from practice each day excited to see what new packages have arrived. My spring break suitcase is stuffed with a mix of new swimsuits and vintage sweatshirts, an ode to my love for both new trends and hand-me-downs. Sometimes, I find stragglers at the bottom of my drawers, my favorite sweatshirt from sophomore year or the top that all my friends borrow and hardly give back. I jump to recount these memories with my friends.
Nostalgia is one of the most bittersweet emotions to feel, at least for me. It’s easy to be filled with worry or regret when you are reminded of a simpler, less stressful time. I never could’ve predicted any of the memories I have already made, so I can’t expect to know everything that stands before me. Embracing the experiences that make us who we are is necessary for our growth.
We can’t relive our experiences, but we can find a similar joy in moments that await. I encourage you to accept the nostalgic memories of the past and capture the moments of now. Look forward to looking back on the time we currently share.
With each day, our city continues to grow and the display cases of The Original Goodie Shop fill with more than just smiley-face cookies. Take the time to appreciate what you have grown to know and become accustomed to, and let the familiar excite you for the unknown.
