Hey there! Have you ever caught yourself thinking that happiness was way easier to come by in your childhood? I mean, we all go back to those nostalgic moments and say, “Those were the days!” But if we do a reality check, would those moments have felt as special back then as they do now in our memories?
The Science Behind Nostalgia
So why does our brain hype up the past? It’s a bit of brain science at play. Our brains are wired to remember positive experiences more vividly than negative ones, a phenomenon known as the “positivity bias.” Additionally, the hippocampus, the part of our brain responsible for memory, often smooths out the rough edges of our past experiences. This makes those memories seem more pleasant and idealized than they actually were. Essentially, our brain acts like a nostalgia filter, highlighting the good and downplaying the bad, which is why the past often feels rosier than the present.
Nostalgia vs. Reality
Think about it. Maybe today’s moments, ten years down the lane, will feel just as special. Life, with its increasing responsibilities, often feels heavier. I read something this morning that said recognition for what you do decreases as you age. Remember when you were born, everyone celebrated. Your first word? A big deal! Your first birthday, your first school exam, and even your good grades earned you an ice cream party or a trip to a restaurant.
The Shift in Expectations
But what happened over time? The world stopped appreciating the little things and started expecting more from you. Marks, gifts, and achievements were no longer enough. This shift creates a mindset where validation only comes from big accomplishments. In therapy, they often explore childhood to understand how rewards shaped our thinking. If marks were rewarded, it conditions us to seek validation only through achievements.
The Complexity of Growing Up
As we age, we start chasing bigger things, complicating our lives. The world throws different kinds of expectations at us. Look at big figures like Bill Gates or Narendra Modi. They’ve achieved incredible things. Does that mean we should only reward ourselves for big achievements? Think about it. Extreme happiness is often followed by a fall, just like how a sugar rush leads to a crash. The highs make the lows feel more intense.
The Role of Instant Gratification
Today, we have instant gratification at our fingertips. With apps like Zomato and Swiggy, everything is just a click away. While it’s convenient, it also spoils us. We become accustomed to immediate rewards, reducing the joy of simple pleasures. Remember the excitement of childhood treats? Cotton candy, kacha mango chocolates, or even a 10-rupee gift. These little things brought immense happiness because we weren’t questioning our self-worth.
Over-Availability and Its Impact
Now, over-availability creates conflict. With so many choices, happiness becomes elusive. It’s no longer about the reward but the expectation of something bigger and better. This constant chase changes the equation of happiness. We long for the simplicity of the past because we’re overwhelmed by the present.
Gen Alpha’s Predicament
Sometimes I feel jealous of Gen Alpha. They have so much at their fingertips—smartphones, instant information, endless entertainment. But then I pity them too. They’re growing up with an overload of choices and instant gratification. Imagine trying to find happiness amidst such constant availability. Even we, with our tech and comforts, feel conflicted by the multitude of choices.
The Beauty of Simple Pleasures
Take Virat Kohli, for example. Despite access to the best hotels and cuisines, he reminisces about a simple bread pakoda from his college days. It’s not just about the taste; it’s about the experience and the mindset. Happiness isn’t just in the taste; it’s in the memories and emotions attached to it.
Conclusion
So, what’s the takeaway? Maybe we need to reframe our happiness equation. Appreciate the little things, reduce expectations, and find joy in simple pleasures. Let’s not make life more complex than it needs to be. After all, today’s moments might be the ones we’ll cherish the most in the future.
What do you think? Share your thoughts, I am listening :)
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