Graduation Goggles

There are certain phases in our life where we are restless, unhappy, often cribbing. We feel like getting through such phases as sooner as possible. But then, towards the fag end of these times, we start to view them with a different frame of reference. Somewhere, our mind starts yearning for the good things that happened. Even more, we start to miss the supposedly unpleasant things to which we are well attuned. And we start missing that time like anything. And eventually, we end up wishing that time should stop there…

I got this term “Graduation Goggles” from a sitcom HIMYM. It basically means the relief and nostalgic feeling one has about a time in their life when it is about to end, even if the time was completely miserable. It’s nothing but a manifestation of human psychology. The problem is, we humans can’t just leave anything outright, even if it is unpleasant or undesirable. This gives rise to this particular feeling which creates the ‘trap’ of memories.

Yet, it’s different from nostalgia. Nostalgia is simply missing certain people, things or times. But Graduation Goggles suggest a change in perspective for a short time. This feeling is temporary one. Sooner or later, we return back to the initial view, and things become the same again. It’s not that we develop a feeling of love or liking for that time or place. We just start to see the past in an altered, positive light. And this is the best part about it!! We see even the most unpleasant times through a positive prism, appreciating that everything has the “other” side too. The other side that we would have better enjoyed much before!

Graduation Goggles need to be overcome. For some things must fall apart to make way for better thing. One can’t get stuck in the memories instead of moving on. That’s why one needs to be cautious about Graduation Goggles. They can’t be relied upon. One might end up taking an emotional decision under its influence, only to repent for it later.

I feel the real reason behind this behaviour is the fear about the uncertainty of life. We all are afraid of moving on, for future is not familiar to us. Hence we like to delve into the past, which is familiar. But then, life is about moving on!! So let’s enjoy the Graduation Goggles, overcome them and move on…