Fond Memories
Natsukashii (懐かしい)
Natsukashii. This Japanese idea is so full of life and color that it makes one want to dig out all their treasured childhood memories and cry over how quickly time flies and how brief that stage of life is.
Some things can bring back fond memories, like listening to a song from your youth or seeing an old album cover. However, many cultures view nostalgia as a sign of melancholy.
Natsukashii derives from the verb “natsuku,” which means “to keep close and become fond of,” indicating joy and gratitude for the past rather than cultivating a desire to return to it. Natuskashii is a continual symbol of gratitude for one's life experiences in Japanese culture. Experiencing those things repeatedly is impossible, which only heightens their significance.
It is akin to deja vu, but the concepts are very different yet similar. Life is all about celebrating our flaws, embracing what we’ve already done, and marching ahead with a big smile, no matter the circumstances.
My username on this platform is the same as this. Any time I reflect on my formative years, particularly those in the English and classics departments, I cannot help but think of the profound impact my teachers had on my development and character.
Such moments will always hold a special place in my heart. Those years passed by in the space of a second, and I matured at an equally rapid rate.
Life was good then and it is still. But things are not the same anymore. I remember my past and think about how far I’ve come. Ah, those stress-free days.
Last December, I celebrated my silver jubilee—a major life milestone marking my transition into womanhood—and had my natsukashii moment—a joyous celebration of my 25th birthday.
I felt the need to put my emotions on paper all of a sudden. My stories, which I describe as groundbreaking and life-altering, now have a voice because of this platform, and I am grateful to everyone who has contributed.
I am happier than I have been in a long time, and I cherish these present-day memories even more. From my birth in 1998 to the year 2024, I have lived through countless experiences that have shaped my identity.
Yeah, the past was honestly the best But my best is what comes next…
~ Yet To Come {BTS}
I used to think of turning the clock backward, but this idea has altered my view. The past no longer occupies my thoughts as much as the present moment.
Have you ever had a favorite moment that made you feel nostalgic and transported you back in time?
What does natsukashii mean to you?
Thank you for reading and supporting The Scriber’s Nook. We publish five days a week — Monday to Friday inclusively 🖋️🌟📚
