Do you remember riding on a seesaw? I remember going so fast that I was actually lifted off my seat at the top as the wooden plank pivoted on the central fulcrum. It was so much fun of course until the other person jumped off and I came crashing down! 

Do you remember the smell of Play-Doh, or scented markers? What about the smell of a cap gun after it went off? All of these memories trigger our nostalgia. It should come as no surprise that the word “nostalgia” has its root in homesickness. Although nostalgia is a bittersweet emotion, research has shown its net effect to be very positive.

Nostalgia has been shown to counteract loneliness, boredom and anxiety. It makes people more generous to strangers and more tolerant of outsiders. Couples feel closer and look happier when they’re sharing nostalgic memories. So today, go down memory lane! Talk to your partner about your first kiss. Talk to your children about your fondest memory of them as a toddler. Talk to your parents about your youth. This trip down memory lane is free but priceless!

With Gratitude,
Beth
P.S. Please feel free to email me with your fond memories of being a child! I only scratched the surface.