How Old Photos, Postcards & Ticket Stubs Shape Us
Top of FormWednesday, 2 p.m. In the midst of a particularly challenging week, I found a dusty shoebox tucked away in an old drawer. Inside, there was a faded concert ticket from a first date with someone who is no longer in my life, a birthday card from a friend in 5th grade, a blurry photo of my best friend and me eating pizza at 2 a.m. while venting about life, and a postcard from a beach trip with my parents—one from the time we all stayed in a little sunlit cottage.
Holding onto those sun-drenched memories gave me exactly the push I needed to re-center myself. I was reminded, once again, of the tough times I’ve weathered before, the nights I danced until dawn, the moments I laughed until I cried—and that life has been full of moments worth holding onto, rich with wonder and meaning.
The act (or rather, the art) of keeping these memories close is often our way of preserving pieces of ourselves. A keychain from a vacation, a train ticket from a random city, or a broken bracelet still lying in the jewelry box—each of these objects is imbued with meaning. When you keep these memories close to your heart, you’re not just preserving relics of the past but also honoring your journey. They remind you that your life isn’t just a series of dates and deadlines—it’s a tapestry of experiences, emotions, and connections and by holding onto these memories, you’re saying: “I lived. I loved. I felt.”
How Nostalgia Acts as a Mental Health Superpower
Nostalgia isn’t just a bittersweet trip down memory lane; it’s a potent tool for healing. There’s a reason we crave comfort shows, why certain songs feel like home, or why a childhood toy can bring an unexpected wave of peace. When life feels overwhelming or disconnected from our deepest selves, nostalgia acts as a soothing balm for the soul.
There’s actual science behind why looking at an old picture can change your mood in seconds. When we revisit happy memories, our brain releases dopamine—the same chemical responsible for feelings of pleasure and reward. It’s like a mental reset button.
But nostalgia does more than just boost mood—it can strengthen our sense of identity and help us navigate difficult emotions:
- Reduces stress and anxiety – Studies show that engaging with nostalgic memories can lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, helping us feel calmer and more in control.
- Enhances self-esteem – Remembering moments when we felt happy, loved, or accomplished reinforces a positive sense of self-worth, especially during periods of doubt.
- Eases loneliness – Nostalgia fosters a sense of connection, even when we’re alone. Reliving moments shared with loved ones can help us feel emotionally supported, even in their absence.
- Provides perspective – Revisiting past hardships that we’ve overcome reminds us of our resilience, making present struggles feel more manageable.
- Boosts optimism for the future – Nostalgia connects our past, present, and future, creating a narrative of hope. It reminds us that just as joy existed before, it will exist again.
Turns out that revisiting memories isn’t an escape—it’s a strategy. So, if you ever find yourself instinctively pulling out old letters, scrolling through five-year-old photos, or listening to a song that reminds you of a specific summer, know that it’s not just reminiscing. It’s self-care. A quiet act of self-compassion. It’s like getting a hug from an old friend—the version of you that once was, reassuring the version of you that exists now.
Create Your Private Universe: An Invitation to Your Memory Journal
Some moments deserve more than just passing thoughts—they deserve a home. A place where they can rest, breathe, and remind you of how far you’ve come, how deeply you’ve felt, and how beautifully you’ve lived.
Be the storyteller of your life. Open your memory journal and let your hand dance across the page as you capture the moments of your life—the ones that whisper: "Damn, I’ve lived."
The Art of Keeping Close isn’t just pages bound together; it’s a quiet space where your life unfolds in ink. A photo from a night when the world felt alive, a scribbled note from a friend who saw you when you couldn’t see yourself, a fleeting thought that made your heart swell—here, they don’t fade. They stay, ready to remind you of the magic you’ve lived and the tenderness that has shaped you.
Because preserving these memories isn’t about looking back—it’s about celebrating your story, your growth, and your boundless capacity to love and be loved. One page at a time, you are telling the story only you can tell. And that? That is the art of keeping close. The art of holding love, longing, and joy—all in the palm of your hands.