Today is going to be one of those random ramblings days as I really have no idea what to talk about but here goes....
One thing that's been on my mind is why we tend to revert to old ways of thinking, living or comfortable things?
For instance, reading old, favorite books or wearing old, comfortable pajamas or t-shirts and jeans.
Is it because those items remind us of better days?
Do we find comfort in the past?
Both?
I don't know but last night I pulled an old, favored book off my shelf and although I know it intimately, read halfway through then and finished it this morning and was still as touched, as moved as the first time I read it. Tears and smiles as the story unfolded with each turn of the page.
Perhaps I found comfort in knowing the happy ending would still be in place. Or, in the timeless treasure of words woven together to create a story so compelling I read it over and over. And the prayer that my writing does the same for people.
Alas, who knows the real reasons we do these things....reflection, appreciation, love...all good reasons to wander back through our memories. Whether with photos, music or a good book it's important, though we may not want to stay stuck in the past, to occasionally linger there and perhaps, gain a new appreciation for the lessons learned throughout our journey of life.
Something to think about!
"Inspirational with an Edge!" ™
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11 comments:
I think we all find comfort in the familiar. I have a favorite sweater I wear all winter, even though I have others that are newer and better looking. The same goes for memories - we all have favorites that replay in our minds. So it makes sense that we have stories that we reach for when we need to find comfort. And it's every author's hope that some of the stories we write provide that comfort for others.
Thoughtful post! I think that in such troubling times, we all seek, even subconsciously, comfort in one form or another.
I try not to look back but certain things, like clothes I still have from the days when I showed horses, are a welcome memory.
Ha! I read Pride and Prejudice every year whether I need to or not! Nothing wrong with that! Thanks for the post.
Wow..
I hear you about the sweater, Patricia, I have a long-sleeved T-shirt my brother gave me for Christmas one year...He died in 1994 so you can imagine how old it is...but I love it and still wear it!
I agree, Marissa.
I bet those clothes DO bring back great memories, Linda...maybe put some in a shadowbox...we did that for my granddaughter's first dance costume :-)
I have books I read every year too, Susan!
Thanks Everyone for stopping by! Sorry I'm so late responding, was away from the computer all afternoon!
Good luck and God's blessings to EACH of you!
PamT
Pamela, I have a ragged, paint-stained, faded old lounge dress that I always reach for when I'm feeling nostalgiic, or just need something I feel completely comfortable in. I refuse to get rid of it --- just as a I refuse to part with favorite books. And I buy every Grace Livingston Hill book I run into at yard sales or estate sales, even though I read them all as a teen, probably three times over. The author influenced my writing style. I'm not aware of it as I write, but when I read back through my books, I can see where her voice is reflected in mine, at times.
And that's OK. Our pasts made us who we are today. It will always be a part of us. Revisiting favorite memories is a good thing...as long as we don't dwell there. It's important to live in today, so we'll have more precious memories for tomorrow.
Wonderful post!
Lovely post. There's nothing better than curling up on the sofa with an old lap rug and a favorite book. Today everything is new, so sometimes the old and familiar is special.
I have a favorite book, too...I read it over and over, especially when I travel--it's a mountain set adventure with romance. I even have a private Pinterest board on the book, and the sequel in my head. The characters really came alive for me. The first time I read it eons ago, on a camping trip in the Sierras...my son was a newborn (we were in a nice RV lol, not sleeping in a tent) and my father hadn't yet died in a car crash. I think it was such a perfect time and the book symbolizes it. Nice thoughtful post.
Oh Delia I understand what you mean completely. I read back and see some of the authors who've influenced my writing too and I agree, looking back is OK but dwelling in the past is not.
You are so right, Susan, the old and familiar is special.
I can see why you read that book Tanya...sorry about your father, write that sequel!!!
Thank you ALL for stopping by.
Good luck and God's blessings to EACH of you.
PamT
As to clothes, I find myself replacing old clothing with similar colors and styles. I also enjoy rereading some of the books I loved in the past. The familiar is comforting. It provides stability and security in an uncertain world.
This sounds weird, but I had a favorite pair of jeans--I looked good in them, they were worn to an astounding softness--and when they finally wore out, I honestly grieved over the loss! We'd been through a lot together!
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