The older we get the more we tend to look back on the past, or to be more specific, our own past. It may be as simple as a song or a show that gives us the warm fuzzy feeling of nostalgia or a favorite snack, meal, or business. I'm guilty of getting McNuggets with fries and an Orange Hi-C every once in a while to capture a bit of that childhood joy I had growing up. But what makes nostalgia, nostalgic? What part of nostalgia gives you the warm fuzzy feelings deep down?

     When asked about nostalgia, most would say "A simpler time of no responsibilities." or "The world isn't crazy like it is now." and while those are valid answers, they pretty much hit the same note of "Life was simple as a kid.". As kids we didn't have to worry as much about things we saw as 'grown up' and could live our lives freely for the most part. However that sounds like a too easy way of thinking about it. It's more so the memories of childhood and wanting that kind of innocence back that draws people. 

     There was a new perspective I came across lately, It's going back in time, but you are all alone. This gave me an interesting idea. Those that say they would rather go back in time and relive those nostalgic times, would they still do it knowing that? Videos of this idea show nostalgic places like malls, schools and so on. But it's all dimly lit and only thing you hear is faint sounds. This gives off the sense that as time moves on, so do people. Most people have nostalgia for the good times with friends and family than it is of just places and things. Those places and things are usually attached to friends and family. 

     So going back to the question, what makes nostalgia, nostalgic?, it is reflecting on the bonds that you made growing up no matter the time and place. It's what helped you grow as a person, and while there are people that take it to the extreme, it isn't bad to look inwards and remind yourself where you came from and how far you've come.