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Sitting with old school buddies and reliving “those” moments is truly extraordinary. Just a few days ago, I was fortunate enough to meet my schoolmates, and what an evening it was! We laughed, argued, agreed, sympathized, empathized—you name it. My biggest takeaway from the reunion? “I wish I could relive those days.”
But wait! I’ve had similar reunions before—with ex-colleagues, college friends, and even former teammates—and the feelings were always the same. I’m sure many reading this have experienced something similar. Whether it’s school, college, a past job, or an old team within a company, we often cherish the times we spent when we reconnect with people from our past. But why does this happen? Have we ever stopped to think about it?
Why Do We Long for the Past?
Maybe it’s because our past wasn’t perfect, and we wish we could go back and change things. In doing so, however, we risk losing our present, which in turn shapes our future. Years down the line, we might find ourselves wishing to relive today, thinking about how much better we could have lived it.
Before writing this, I spent days revisiting memories from my final year of school, analyzing every little detail—daily experiences, expectations, and emotions. After much reflection, I realized something surprising: the past wasn’t all that different from the present. Back in tenth grade, I was nostalgic for my time in sixth and seventh grade. I was caught up in reminiscing rather than truly living in the moment. And even today, I find myself looking back at my previous job with the same fondness, knowing I will likely miss my current one in the future. It’s an endless cycle that never really takes us anywhere.
If given a magical chance to relive those past days exactly as they were, without the ability to change anything, how many of us would actually go back? Not me. Instead, what I truly wish is that I had lived those days more fully, appreciating every moment instead of constantly looking backward. The lesson here is clear—rather than longing to change the past, we should focus on living life to the fullest right now, creating meaningful experiences in the present.
The Illusion of “The Right Time”
Another concept that often holds us back is the idea of “the right time.” For the past twenty years, I’ve frequently heard myself say, “Maybe this isn’t the right time—let me wait a little longer.”
- It’s too cold to go for a morning walk—I’ll start next month.
- This isn’t the right time to switch jobs—I’ll wait until things stabilize.
- Now isn’t the time to try something new—maybe later.
But here’s the irony: alongside all the times we hesitate, we are also told, “This is the best time to enjoy.”
- In school: “Student life is the best—enjoy it while you can.”
- In college: “These years are the best—have fun before work takes over.”
- Before marriage: “This is your time—make the most of your freedom.”
- After marriage: “Enjoy these moments before kids come along.”
- After the first child: “This is the best phase—before you have another!”
There’s always a “best time” hidden among “not the right time.” The truth? The time has always been the same. It’s just our perception that changes. We get so tangled in the psychology of waiting for the “perfect” moment that we miss out on the life unfolding right in front of us.
The Key to Happiness: Awareness
The real secret to happiness is understanding. Understanding the nature of life, our own experiences, and the patterns we fall into. Nothing is permanent—neither problems nor success—no matter how big they may seem. Everything is temporary.
So take a deep breath. Feel your palms, your skin, your pulse. Appreciate this moment. You’ll be amazed to realize what a beautiful creation you are.
Be Present. Be Aware. Be Grateful.