In the hustle and bustle of our modern lives, amidst the constant demands of work, relationships, and endless to-do lists, there is a quiet sanctuary many of us retreat to for solace: our childhood memories.
Watching kids playing and laughing without a single worry on their faces is pure joy! They neither display the regret of PAST, nor do they have the fear of the FUTURE. They are just little bundle of happiness and innocence immersed in the stillness of the PRESENT.
Looking at them made me revisit the old lanes of my childhood where everything was perfect. A land of promises! From enjoying mangoes with my cousins during summer vacations to enjoying ice-creams in the evenings. Everything started flashing in front of my eyes like it was yesterday. But then I realised it’s been years since I have stepped out of that beautiful carefree world without even bidding adieu.
These memories are more than just recollections of the past; they are potent sources of comfort and emotional grounding. If you are a 90s` kid, you must be feeling that itch too. Our childhood was far better than the present ones. We might not have the top-notch gadgets that today`s kids have, but we had outdoor sun, cool breeze, greenery, ice-cream and a lot more.
Let’s delve into all the factors that made our childhood unforgettable:
1. ‘Chuskiwaale’ Bhaiya
Childhood is often a time of fewer responsibilities and less complexity. Which also means summer vacations, less homework and lots of playtime during summers. Air conditioners were a luxury and very few houses could afford it with frequent power-cut So what made our childhood special? That gola waale bhaiya who used to sell ice-creams made from crushed ice and various syrups. Our days were filled with play, learning, and exploration, unburdened by the weight of adult concerns.
2. Paper Boat Competition during Rains
Nostalgia, the sentimental longing for the past, plays a significant role in why childhood memories are comforting. When we recall pleasant memories, our brain releases endorphins, which are chemicals that promote feelings of happiness and well-being. And one of those memories is made from innocent paper boat competitions with our friends and cousins. The sheer joy of watching our paper boats glide through the water collected in front of our houses made hot summer more bearable.
3. Adventurous Train Journeys
The memories from our childhood often involve familiar places, people, and routines that made us feel safe and secure. This sense of familiarity is comforting because it represents a time when the world felt more predictable and controllable. For many of us , childhood is associated with travelling to our maternal grandfather`s or “Nani ke Ghar”. Garmi ki chuttiyan and Nani ka Ghar were inseparable. From eating snacks and sleeping in the middle birth to looking at our fathers waving at us from the station, every journey was a bag of excitement, sorry, and boundless happiness.
4. Vibrant Pencil Box
Do you remember that double decker pencil box that made us cool in the entire classroom? Those colourful boxes made from either plastic or steel were packed with little compartments to keep our pencils, erasers, ruler and sharpeners separately. Buying that pencil box gave us more joy than any expensive purchase that we make today!
5. Relishing Mangoes with Family
Mangoes are delicacies during summers. They are the love of Indians and nobody would like to miss the opportunity in grabbing one during the summers. I remember when my grandfather would bring mangoes and then put them inside a large vessel full of water. By the evening, we all would get our share and relish the fruit that is loved by almost everyone.
Visiting the By lanes of Memory Can Bring Joy!
Life’s journey can sometimes cause us to lose touch with aspects of ourselves that were prominent during childhood. Revisiting our childhood memories allows us to reconnect with these lost parts. Whether it’s a forgotten hobby, a sense of adventure, or a particular way of seeing the world, these memories can inspire us to reclaim and reintegrate these aspects into our current lives, leading to a more holistic and fulfilling sense of self.
As we navigate the complexities of adulthood, these memories serve as a gentle reminder of the enduring joys of innocence, the warmth of familial bonds, and the unchanging essence of who we are. So, take a moment to reminisce, to look back fondly on those simpler times, and let the comfort of your childhood memories envelop you like a warm, familiar blanket.
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