The Power of Nostalgia

Fun weekend chilling with old high-school friends at a timeshare :)

Oh yeah, sorry for the day-late posting, but here we are!

Christmas is a time of memories.

And the crazies...

Some folk are excited for this season. For those who recall grand experiences with loved ones and friends, the holidays can be the most wonderful time of year. Others yet find this wintry experience to bring sorrow, as they count down the days for the festivities to expire.

With each passing year comes the pleasantries and misfortunes of life, factual, and everyone has a bit of both. Some are blessed with more fortune that the rest, and where much is given much also is required -- but what's really on my mind?

Thinking back on all my Christmas memories I can't pinpoint a single negative wintry season, however, I can recall negative life moments over the grand-stretch. Sometimes when I contemplate those sour times I get swept into a field of painful emotions (yes, all over again) and if not careful my mood will shift. The same however works on the flip-side, where if I think of fond memories my mood will receive a hearty boost.

In my five years studying Psychology/Counseling at the collegiate level I've learned much about memory and emotions, mainly for the purpose of understanding my emotional self (and all the other complicated functions that take place in the mind's backdrop). One of the greater takeaway's I've discovered is how much control we have over our mind: through diet, physical activity, sunlight, even basic education! We have the authority to shape our emotional sphere of influence -- the reins to success have always been in our hands!

At the airport last week I made an effort to meet at least five new people, because why not? The first gentleman I met seemed to be jotting down something in his notebook, so I cautiously started a conversation -- when I realized he wasn't up for small talk, I went down the line of people until I met someone willing. I soon found my people, a few others who were up for some discourse while we waited for the plane to begin boarding. During the conversation, I got a glimpse (though ever so small) into the two men's lives. I then shared a little more about my own life (perhaps a bit to energetically) but left on great terms as we headed for the final gate.

Now, not everyone is designed to talk to complete strangers for twenty minutes for the sake of talking -- but -- what if we did get out of our comfort zone a little more? At least during this time of year?

It's tough, seeing everyone on their phones (yes, I too am guilty). But seriously, if people practiced eye-contact, small talk, even a handshake, high-five, compliment, just a little bit more, imagine the difference!

A person came up to me out of the blue and told me I made their day A MONTH AGO when I complimented them on their smile -- they remembered the gesture, as genuine as it was, and held on to it.

I drive this concept home a lot, but I'm not apologetic about it, especially during a season when not everyone is enjoying themselves. Be that star. Talk to that man or woman at the airport who looks alone or sad.

Who knows... maybe that'll change their entire view of the season!