Let’s Take It Back to 2002
“I never read Proust, I always wanted to. Every now and then, I’m seized with an overwhelming urge to say something like “As Marcel Proust would say..
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Nostalgia - a sentimental longing or wistful affection for a period in the past. I’m sure we’ve all experienced it. A joyful feeling when an old song comes on, when you walk past your old neighborhood or when you come across a movie you used to watch as a kid.
Nostalgia wasn’t always considered a positive emotion. Back in the early 1600s, when it was first discovered, scientist believed it was a mental illness. It wasn’t until a few decades later when the meaning of Nostalgia changed, and the term expanded to indicating homesickness and a general longing for the past.
The most famous example of this, was when Marcel Proust described how tasting madeleine cake, he hadn’t eaten since childhood, triggered warm and powerful associations. Maybe this is not a direct quote but, unlike Lorelai Gilmore, you now know what Marcel Proust would say.
Currently, we’ve arrived at the point where we believe that people are likely to feel nostalgic when things are going wrong in the present. And when I speak for myself, that’s something that I believe as well. For example, when I’m not feeling well and I feel a wave of anxiety taking over, there’s one thing I know will help me feel better and that’s – Disney.
Peter Pan, the Aristocats and 101 Dalmatians, all movies that I can guarantee will calm me down in no-time. And yes, some of it is probably because I know the plot and the lack of crazy, heartbeat raising twists but it’s also because it makes me feel safe. Safe from adult emotions, problems and challenges. This is isn’t very surprising since nostalgia is proven to help increase feelings of self-esteem and social belonging.
Since we now live in a world where Gen Z is canceling side parts, skinny jeans and even Eminem – it’s no wonder we’re feeling the need to go back to our positive memories and fight for them. What I’m trying to say is – in an uncertain, ever changing world it’s no shame to want to hold on to this that used to make you happy. So, grab that Juicy Couture track suit, turn on Austin Powers in Goldmember and let’s go back to 2002.
