Reflecting on your favorite childhood memories is bound to bring a smile to your face; whether it was opening up your favorite new Christmas present, riding bikes with your best friend around the park, or exploring the forest with your crazy, young imagination. I love reflecting on some of my favorite childhood memories, but little did I know that returning to one of my favorite playgrounds from my childhood would bring a on a full sensory overload of memories that had not crossed my mind in over 10 years.

I found myself in my hometown where I grew up a month after graduating from high school and a month before I would head off to college. My mind was definitely in a fog, filled with uncertainty and sadness because I was leaving what I had grown to know my whole life, yet also filled with nerves and excitement for what the future would hold. As I found myself swinging on the old and rusted swing set in my favorite park, I remembered many little memories of great times that would never have crossed my mind again unless someone had explicitly reminded me of them. Little memories with friends that I had loved but have long since lost contact with, little bumps and bruises from jumping off the tall swing sets, racing down the same slide over and over again, and the endless amounts of popsicles I ate from the little ice cream cart that came by every afternoon.

Going back and reminiscing in a place that was once my favorite part of my childhood generated many emotions, especially since it was right after I had graduated and was essentially leaving my childhood behind to start my new journey to become an adult. Reflecting on my own experiences was very calming and beneficial for me because it was exactly what I needed in order for me to accept that my life was moving forward, and that good things and great memories were yet to be made. It felt truly satisfying to just sit and absorb all that was around me and let my mind take me to a place it had not been for quite some time. Yes, those memories I had at that park and from my childhood were great, but it helped me realize that there are still many more memories that need to be made. I highly suggest going back to a place you cherished as a kid to just sit and absorb all of the great memories you had there. It is important to reflect on and remember our past, but memories should not keep us back either; they are called memories for a reason. However, I believe reflection is one of the greatest therapeutic techniques that can easily put you at peace. So next time you visit your parents, or find yourself in the same city you grew up in, be sure to try this. I guarantee you will feel nothing less than a pleasant rush of emotions.