Through Rose-Colored Glasses

I know I remember everything as better than it actually was. It's like the default setting for my memories only enables those times that bring pleasant colors, aromas and experience. It usually takes an effort to pull up the experiences I'd probably rather forget.

I like the fact that a rosy glow has encompassed much of my past.

On the other hand, it’s a little concerning because I don’t want to adopt a “glory days” attitude, nor do I want to rewrite history to fill a particular desire or expectation.

Difficult times were just that – difficult. Yet, somehow, I, like everyone else, managed to get through them. And now they have little bite and even littler bark.

I think it’s because of the wonders of thought compartmentalization. The brain is an incredible machine. It will work hard to try to protect our psyches, and it is often successful.

That is until a certain stimulus brings it all back.

Even then, it is easier to be objective about it, though there may still be tugs of pain and displeasure.

As uncomfortable as the unpleasant times may be, they are still a spice for life. It may be a dark spice, a foul spice. But I wonder how flat, how drab life would be if it was all good times all the time.

And the beautiful thing about it all is this:

When looking back, I will remember everything as better than it actually was.