While many might think that nostalgia is a harmless love for the past, in reality it just prevents us from accepting new things.

In an article from Good Housekeeping, Dr. Zengel, a psychologist and nostalgia expert, disclosed that personal nostalgia is “yearning for the past in regards to one’s individual experience.” Although there may not seem any immediate harm from yearning for the past, Zengel’s article continues to reveal why that may not be a constructive state of mind.

“Too much yearning for the past can negatively take your attention away from the present and lead to feelings of depression by stifling interest in forming new relationships and personal growth,” claims phycologist specialist Dr. Batcho.

This doesn’t mean we shouldn’t wish for the good old days to come back but why have a loaf of bread when you can have it sliced! Society needs to embrace the future without feeling like they are abandoning the past.

For instance, let’s buckle up and look back at 1968 when according to the Wisconsin Public Radio seatbelts officially became mandatory in all new United State vehicles. Was this a major change for the American people? Yes. But that does not necessarily mean we have to be nostalgic for the past without seatbelts.

The United States Department of Transportation supports this narrative by disclosing how seat belts have saved an “estimated 14,955 lives and could have saved an additional 2,549 people if they had been wearing seat belts, in 2017 alone.” The advancement of the human mind is something to be proud of. An article from the Smithsonian on Automobile Safety reveals that it wasn’t really until the 1950’s that people actually realized “it was safer to be fastened inside a car than thrown out during a collision.” Given this information, I believe it’s accurate to say nostalgia applied to everything is not necessary.

Sometimes it’s good to live in the moment. As a graduating senior this year, I have tried my hardest to not stress so much about the future. It’s almost impossible because I still have at least three major things to figure out such as finding a roommate for university (who won’t throw up on my carpet), figuring out my grad party, and preparing my self for the National Speech and Debate Tournament.

But instead of thinking, “Wow, I have a lot of stuff to figure out,” I have decided to let that be future Keona’s problem. We cling to the past because we believe we were happier then than we are now. That may be true for some but personally I prefer the present reality that we live in.

Sure I am pretty bummed out that most things I adored about my childhood are over like watching the Golden Girls on Saturday morning or getting excited to buy candy at the swimming pool, but that’s okay. I already feel nostalgic about my time here at Sheyenne, and I have yet to receive my diploma. It doesn’t make me any less excited for my future and its finding that balance that is important.

Dr. Zengel was right that “Too much yearning for the past can negatively take your attention away from the present.” At first glance it may appear that Dr. Zengel is saying we as humans should never look fondly on the past which is incorrect. You can appreciate something that is gone without yearning for it to come back. I’m grateful for the memories I have and I’m excited for the new ones I’ll make.

I feel well prepared to “Live Laugh Love” in these conditions.