How do you feel about nostalgia?

I watched a performance last night with Peter, Paul and Mary.  They sang: “Puff the Magic Dragon” and many other tunes that brought back fond memories for me yet if nothing else their music causes you to sing along and smile.  Isn’t that what it is all about?  I look back over life and it is only natural that I want to remember the good and wonderful moments. I am one of those people who like to remember only those moments of my existence that brought me joy, thoughts of inner peace and even contentment.  Anything else is simply experience’s that need to be released and forgotten. 

We were all young once and probably had experiences that we were not proud of or at the very least want to dismiss—we all had them yet if for only a fleeting moment-a happy and peaceful moment I sometimes like to sit back and remember a time when I came alive and enjoyed something so special that its fondness has remained with me even to this day.  Yes, I like to recapture some of my greatest joys because they bring a happy beat to my heart. 

Listening to Peter, Paul and Mary was one of those moments.  It allowed me to think about life and what it was for me.  Then in a flash I began to wonder what it was for these three personalities.  Even though I know nothing about who these people are, I am sure they have had some very colorful experiences that they shared with all of us through their music.  Could it be because we all, each one of us have scenes that surface in the recesses of our minds, hearts and soul that cause us to re-think the times and experiences that we lived. 

Wow—do you agree—or do you simply read this and say—who cares?  I have no idea what she is saying but okay—so what? 

A good question to ask is, “Am I getter older and trying to recapture my youth, my beginnings or am I simply reflecting on the life that I have had or wished I had?” I believe we all like to reminisce and even dream about what could have been or what should have been or even what we want in the here and now. 

Can we, each one of us, ever watch over again the movie of the past that shaped our lives, my life, your life and ask that same question?  We can only try and hope that that possibility can actually be realized.  Who knows what life will be like tomorrow, and I am not usually one to live in the past, but to reflect—oh! To reflect back on where I have been and where I am going---that is something else. 

I would love to hear from you and listen to your thoughts.  Please respond.  No one will judge or grade your remarks. 

Joan Marie Ambrose

Author, Creative Writer, Motivational Speaker