“That it will never come again is what makes life so sweet.” ~ Emily Dickinson
It’s so hard to find positive quotes on nostalgia. The very definition is “Sentimental longing for the past,” and most quotes have to do with that longing and a kind of sadness. I like what Emily Dickinson had to say about nostalgia.
Nostalgia came about for me when my two granddaughters spent the night. Since they are thirteen and very busy with friends etc. I don’t see them as often as I used to. The room that they sleep in—which was once their mother’s room, has some toys and fragments of things that go way back to when they were really little. Since I don’t know when they’ll be coming back to spend the night, I thought we’d take the opportunity and see what they wanted to keep and what to give away, or recycle.
I found my memories dancing around of endless times playing with dolls with them. Board games, coloring books, old purses and things they made that now they have no use for. So much stuff that in the past they would have never let go. But I didn’t feel sad. I just felt amazed at how mature they have become, and how lucky I am to have played with them all these years. The stuff animals that once belonged to their mom, and books that I had read over and over, plus the very loved doll house, they want to keep. These items are over forty years old, and it’s special to know that maybe there will be a whole new generation enjoying these toys.
Of all the things I’ve experienced in life, I’ll have to say that the gift of raising my two daughters and being a grandmother I am most grateful for. Those times were not always easy. In fact, many times they were difficult. But I’m thankful for the good, bad, and the ugly of it all. That’s what life is really about. You learn to flow through it all and be grateful you’re alive to do so.
“Nostalgia is simply the result of aging and liking the life you’ve lived. Be happy you can feel it—it’s a good sign.” ~Anthony Marais
Put a positive spin on nostalgia. Whatever you’ve experienced in life be happy for it all. The bitter with the sweet moves our life along. No one ever said it was going to be easy, and that’s where expectations should be thrown out. Indeed, tomorrow is promised to no one.
Cherish all that comes your way, and let your heart feel warm and full that you got to be in the game of life this far. How lucky you are.
Very wise words Michele, your heart is most certainly singing a positive note. And that is a very welcome gift to be able to ‘feel’ those many things in our past, they too are great teachers in our journey.
Thank you for sharing 😀 ❤️ 🙏🏽
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Thank you Mark 🙂 Yes, everything we have experienced teaches us so much. It’s all a gift isn’t it even the tough and rough times we all go through.
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Words of wisdom, Michele and such a profound read. A truly nostalgic moment when you remember your daughters and then your grand daughters too. Our life teaches us many things that are good and bad. We must learn to be positive at all times.
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Many thanks Kamal. I agree we should always try and be positive at all times and not be afraid or fight the bad times. It all moves us along and teaches us so much.
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Yes absolutely true Michele. Welcome 😊😊😊😊 dear
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What we are today is to a large extent due to what we were in the past. Or something like that!
Good essay, Michele. Enjoy the week.
Neil
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True words Neil. Thank you so much.
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Okay, you’ve made me cry, Michele. My youngest asked me what my favorite flower was and I said peonies because the were blooming all over our yard when she was born. I love those trips down memory lane. xox
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I know, I got a little sentimental there Pam. But it was a good cry, right? I love your story of when your daughter was born and the peonies. That one got me. So beautiful! xo
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Every cry is a good cry, Michele. 😍 🌸 🌺 🌹
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A very profound and meaningful post, Michele. Bravo.
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Aw, thank you Alan. You’ll be experiencing this with your grandchild 🙂
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Yes, yes, yes!
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Thank you Kerbey 🙂
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Beautiful reflections and reminders 🙂
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I appreciate your comments Karen. Thank you 🙂
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What a wonderful post. I love that 2nd quote..it’s so true as well. I still have some of my boys shirts I hand painted and their blankets I made. I pass them down to them. 😉
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Thank you Elizabeth 🙂 Isn’t that a good quote. I’m so happy I found it. That’s so cool that you still have your boy’s shirts and blankets. You will for sure be able to pass those down. I have two receiving blankets from my girls that have been used on grandkids, dolls and animals, lol.
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Hi Michelle! What a pretty picture you have chosen for this post! Are flowers blooming where you live? I can’t wait to have grandchildren one day! This is such a touching post you have shared with your readers. Your whole blog is genuine and heartfelt, beautiful you! 🌹 And once again, thank you for the numerous times you have left your smiling face on my blog! You are one of the most gentlest of people at WordPress.😀☀️
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Hi Myth 🙂 Thank you! I wish flowers were blooming at my house. We just had a hail storm. I took that picture last summer. I hope that rose bush blooms like crazy this year too. Grandchildren are something really special. I have found it very different than raising children. My grandchildren have taught me patience and understanding, and the sheer joy of being a child. Things I really needed to learn. I hope you get to experience this. Your poetry shows you’ll be a wonderful grandmother. Your blog always makes me feel at peace with the world. Thank you again, and take care. xx
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Michele! Your kind words added more life to my joyous heart! Thank you beautiful one! Grandchildren would send me over the moon!! I would have so much fun with them! It would be laughter, laughter, laughter , tickling and storytelling!! You will have lots of roses this year, you will! Gosh, we’ve had so much snow this last week! I’ll put a couple of photos up on my blog. Today it is beautiful and sunny out! Looking forward to spring flowers! Michele, I hope you are surrounded by love and calmness in your life! I strive for it my self, that’s why I take care of so many people, it is the greatest reward for my soul! Just to remind people of the beauty within themselves that is such a needed acknowledgement. It is so important to take care of each other in this world, and heartbreaking that we have to leave some behind, because they’re not ready to do so. Take good care of yourself, hold on to the things that make you feel alive and happy to be here in this world of struggle and despair, and complete situations that are out of our hands. We can hold everyone in our hearts and hope for the best in the long run for the beauty and sake of humanity!! ❤️☀️🌹
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That’s lovely Myth 🙂 You have such a kind and warm heart and deserve all the best life has to offer. These are now very hard times, but if we keep not only kindness toward one another but also a sense of humor then we can get through anything. As you’re taking care of others don’t forget to take very good care of yourself. Keep well. xx
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Humor! Yes! You’re absolutely right!
Taking care of others takes care of me! 😀 Which is why I’m never depressed. I do run myself down at times, but man it’s worth it! Be safe in this very unsettling time of our lives, Saddly, many darling people are losing their lives and leaving behind far too many broken hearts! This is truly the time to forgive and love and share kindness and understanding and compassion. May we all step up to the plate to do so! Love and care to you and your family and friends! ❤️☀️ Thank you for you! 😀
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Your grandchildren are lucky to have you! Nostalgia isn’t necessarily negative. It’s just a fact of life. It can bring gratitude, too.
Love, light and glitter
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I’m so blessed to have them too! Thank you Eliza 🙂
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