Nostalgia - How to let go of your Past Memories?

Who has never faced life changes? Is there anyone, the life of whom is stagnant? Everyone is aware that the only constant thing in life is change.

Changes are necessary for our personal growth and have great benefits. But it's only one aspect of change, another aspect is that changes bring a feeling of nostalgia with it. I talked in this about why do you feel nostalgic, what are the things to consider when nostalgia occurs and how to deal with it.

Nostalgia is just a mental response towards changes.

Why you feel Nostalgic?

I don't think some people don't have memories of their past. After all, we are humans and our mind is developed in such a way that we can remember places or things that affect us in one way or another. There is probably no one who doesn't miss the old days.

Remembering those already passed days and feeling sentimental over those are the reason for this feeling of nostalgia.

It can be of any time, maybe that you have come out of a love relationship long ago or maybe that you have changed your city recently or you have adopted a new routine or have resigned from an old job.

It all comes with changes, remembering days before those changes make you feel that way. This feeling doesn't care about the time passed of that particular event, only remembering is enough.

Things to consider when encountering Nostalgia

Some people relate the word nostalgia to homesickness and then there come those who misunderstand it with regret. Here I would like to make it clear that there is a difference of ground between feeling nostalgic and feeling regret or homesickness.

Just remember, having Nostalgia means missing the past moments and situations. It's not a negative feeling.

While Regret is a negative feeling that reminds you of those situations in which you could have act something differently but didn't.

And Homesickness is a feeling of distress caused by a separation from home, whether this is an actual separation or anticipated.

Some tips to overcome memories.

Here are some suggestions to deal with Nostalgia. No, I am not gonna tell you to maintain healthy habits or do meditation for calming your mind.

Though doing meditation or maintaining healthy habits are helpful to not indulge in memories, but I never recommend avoiding any feeling, whatever it is just go with it. Before you read on I would like to let you know that I’m excited to announce that we have a new release now. Read all kinds of discovering yourself books to heal your trauma and free your heart.

The very first thing while dealing with any feeling, I keep recommending in all my blog posts, is that identify your feeling and name what's happening.

Once you know that it's nostalgia, you need to remember that it is not a negative feeling.

1. Self-evaluation

Self-evaluation helps us to know ourselves better. Once we truly know ourselves, we know what we want and thus instead of getting wistful we try to change the situation accordingly and focus on the things that matter in our lives.

2. Don't avoid Nostalgia

It is not only about nostalgia but for every feeling you encounter, never avoid it. Avoiding feelings can make you unhappy. Sit with your feeling, explore it and find the causes of the pain.

Recognize the memories that are making you feel that way, embrace them, appreciate them and be thankful to God that you were a part of that moment. And if it was a bad memory then be grateful to be where you are now.

Don't avoid it, deal with it.

3. Talk or write about your feelings

Talking about your feelings is a key to release your emotions. Expressing your feelings to your friends or loved ones about the things you have in your mind can lighten the burden of feelings you have.

If you don't have people around you, have no one standing with you then let your heart out over a piece of paper, let all your feelings out over it, it will make you feel better.

4. Take your time

Changes are beneficial for your growth even if at first it seems difficult to adjust. Some memories are so intensely connected to us that it becomes difficult to move forward.

Just picture that particular moment very clearly in your mind and imagine it to be dissolving into the puff of air. Take your time to adapt new routine or environment and let pass this discomfort.

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5. Soak yourself in present

Like a good dream, we don't want to wake up from memories are there that we don't want to forget about. But you have to know that it prevents you to enjoy the present moment.

Just look around you, you have a lot to pick up on- the flowing river scene from your window, the bird living in the nest which she has made in your flower pot.

Just observe the things in that way and soon you will recognize that you are going to miss the amazing moments on the horizon which you will miss 10 to 15 years from now.

6. Set some new goals

Its human tendency that when it has something new to achieve, it starts overlooking the past. So, start making some short goals for a day, week or month and try to accomplish them within a set limit of time.

Focusing on new objectives can be a key to forget memories.

7. Make new memories

If you are obsessed with the belongings of any past relationship, with that carefree moment with friends or that funny memory of that city, the recovery becomes very difficult.

Reviewing those memories makes excessive nostalgia, I understand. But you need to remember that the past is gone and can't be changed and now you have to relish in present and look forward to the future.

Then, make it a point, schedule a get together with friends and if you can't leave the house, invite them over for dinner. If they are too busy to come, make new friends and recreate memories with them so that you don't have time to go back into the past, make a solo trip somewhere you always wanted to, create new memories in a new environment.

Remember you are in a new chapter now, which is exciting in a way and you have no idea what it has to bring.

There are several other ways too to overcome nostalgia, whatever way you adopt, just be happy. Stop being too attached to anything. Stop taking everything to your heart. Stop taking everything so seriously. No one is going to be here forever.

On the last note, I would like to say that only you are responsible for yourself, no one is going to do it for you, only you have to deal with your situation.

To know the importance of being responsible for yourself you can check my blog on 10 Unspoken Rules Of Life

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