Title: Why the Past Always Looks Better
Human memory is a fantastic editor. It cuts out the boring parts, filters out the pain, and adds a golden background music to our past. This is why we always think, "Those were the good old days."
We look back at our school days and remember the laughter; we forget the exam stress. We look back at childhood and remember the play; we forget the fear of the dark. This nostalgia makes us unhappy with the present. We think the present is dull compared to the glossy movie of our past.
But the truth is, the "Good Old Days" were just ordinary days when we were living them. The magic isn't in the past; the magic is in the memory. Realizing this frees us. It helps us understand that twenty years from now, today will be the "Good Old Days." So, we might as well enjoy it while it is happening.