In recent times, nostalgia has grown as both a TikTok aesthetic and sentiment felt by essentially every human on Earth. Initially becoming relevant during the pandemic, when people missed the social lives they once lived or the worry-free childhood they had before those four years zipped by, it would be difficult to find somebody who does not miss the past. Nostalgia is no new concept; it is an emotion that has been felt for decades, yet in the recent past, it is not uncommon for people to wake up and wonder what happened to the days when they were happy.

Activities that once felt like safe spaces now don’t have the same appeal. Whether it’s texting friends, playing games or even holiday breaks, a sense of shame and unfulfillment are omnipresent. Perhaps this is something that the internet can be blamed for, too – the incessant push of hustle culture, the sentiment that people in their teens and 20s need to reject activities that are fun and relaxing and instead dedicate their lives to working for every blink of their eyes. Even if you, like me, think this is ridiculous and do not see money as the purpose of life, it still becomes increasingly difficult, and subconsciously shameful, to partake in activities that don’t appear to be the most beneficial action you can take at the time.

While there are times when reflection is beneficial, the only thing that results from the current way nostalgia is severely felt is shame, depression and anxiety that you are not doing enough. Do not let the past influence your sense of accomplishment with yourself. Not every action needs to be minmaxed, and the best way to live a fulfilled life is to make decisions and do things that YOU – not influencers on the internet – want to do.