Memories of the Past

     Nostalgia is defined as, "a sentimental longing or wistful affection for the past, typically for a period or place with happy personal associations." Memories, both good and bad, are made everyday, but often only the ones with the strongest emotions attached to them remain. For example, a person might recall their sixth birthday party, which was themed after their favorite Disney character or movie where all their friends showed up, but won't remember what they did in school on a Tuesday when they were in first grade. Just the same, that same person might remember being bitten by a dog when they were a child instead of hugging and petting the dog the day before they were bitten. There are many things is an person's life they will remember because of the strong impact the events had on them, including current events and societal standards. One specific historical example of how a childhood experience stuck with them and shaped their life is the case of the famous author, Charles Dickens. One prominent event which is almost always mentioned in any biography about him is when he had to work in a shoe-blacking factory at the age of twelve to support himself and his family when his father was arrested for debt. The negative experience he had affected him throughout the rest of his life, as can be gathered by how a prominent theme in his books involves an abused or abandoned child. Considering Dickens example, we can look back on our own lives to discover which of our own experiences shaped who we are today.

    A person may experience nostalgia when looking at an old toy, seeing something about a favorite book, movie, or even video game from when they were younger, or hearing something that sounds similar to what a parent or grandparent would say to them. The memories associated with the nostalgic feeling are often of experiences or things that shaped who that person is today. Perhaps they read a favorite book and decided they wanted to create their own stories to share with others, played a video game and discovered they were really good at solving puzzles, or their grandparents told them "always be humble and kind," so that is their life motto. Their experiences shaped their morals, values, and actions to be who they become throughout their life. Negative memories will also affect the person too, however, and likely more than positive ones. If they were bullied in school, they might become shy towards other people, not wanting to inflict harm on them, or the opposite, they might fight back and bully others. Either way, everyone learns from their experiences and applies what they learn to their life and actions.