Nostalgia is a bitch isn’t it?
One moment you’re pondering over how much of twat you were in college and before you know it you’re bawling over an ex-flame whilst demolishing half a bottle of whiskey. It’s dangerous territory.
Sure, it all begins with a nice little premise that the past was good, that the past carries with it memories of good times, of endless conversations, of overflowing mugs of beer but it’s just a bunch of rose tinted moments. Moments that on introspection seem like the greatest thing ever but dig a little deeper.
With just a little more thought you’ll realise that now is better. Sure, you’re older and have or are succumbing to the pressures of the world what with trying to make ends meet (and barely doing so), trying to indulge a family set in their ways (while trying to maintain your own independence) and hoping against hope that there’s something to keep you moving from one day to the next (hahaha, what?).
Amidst the raging tide that makes up your daily grind, from the angst-ridden commutes to your purposefully amnesiac peers, you realise that you can handle it all. That’s because ladies and gentlemen, you have lived and continue to do so. Not only that, you can handle whatever is thrown in your direction with aplomb.
And all nostalgia does is hold you back. Evolution dictates that things become more complex, that life gives you more than you can handle but it also gives you one underlying principle to live by. Exist long enough and you’ll realise that the purpose of living isn’t to ease comfortably into your twilight years but to hurl yourself at every challenge with absolute disregard. All while knowing at the back of your head that despite your best efforts, things might still go pear shaped.
In a sentence, hope for the best and prepare for the worst. Yes, it’s a dichotomy and perhaps hypocritical but what are we if not walking, talking, breathing contradictions?
