Member-only story

Trapped in Nostalgia’s Embrace: My Bittersweet Journey

The glittering allure of the past.

Embracing Discomfort.
2 min readJan 3, 2024
Photo by Volodymyr Hryshchenko on Unsplash

Nostalgia is a potent drug. And like any drug, its effect hinges on dosage and frequency.

In small doses, it’s a joyous escape; but in heftier amounts, it leaves us feeling lost, bewildered, and empty.

Landing in Belgaum, my childhood stomping grounds, nostalgia floods in.

Instantly, I’m not the London professional with weighty responsibilities anymore. I regress, becoming a shadow of my childhood self, entranced by simplicity, lost in the memories of my youth.

This nostalgia isn’t limited to revisiting old places. It permeates my daily life – influencing my choices in food, music, and entertainment, all swathed in a comforting, nostalgic haze. My self-awareness tries to challenge it but often gets smothered by the allure of the past.

Nostalgia is seductive, numbing, and reassuring. Escaping its grip requires monumental effort, an effort that feels almost impossible amidst its calming embrace.

So, the dance with nostalgia continues.

Writing this piece felt laborious, yet there’s solace in acknowledging this struggle. Facing discomfort is tough, but it’s rewarding. Nostalgia, as enthralling as any vice, should be indulged in carefully and consciously.

Navigating the highs and lows of nostalgia requires balance and awareness, a mental note I’m making for myself in this journey between past and present.

--

--

No responses yet