Longing for the past

Lately I've been longing for the past. Not the parts that had drama, just the times that were nice. I miss a bit of my pre college years, but for the most part, I miss my college years from 2010-2015. Don't get me wrong, I love my job currently. In fact, this is probably the happiest I've been since I graduated college. I am not full time yet, but it is better than substituting or nothing at all. But still, a part of me longs for the past.

Part of it is because I am living with my parents again and I miss my independence. But also I just simply miss the people and the memories. I feel like it is somewhat odd since I graduated in May of 2015, but I still do miss it. It is not as intense as it used to be since I now have a job and keeps me busy. But I still find myself wishing I could have those five years again.

I do visit at times, but it is not the same and almost all the people I associated with are gone. The last couple students I hung out with are graduating in a couple months and other people have just simply left. I sometimes wish I didn't feel so nostalgic all the time, but it happens. Mostly I miss being on my own and hope I can move out again one day when I have enough money. I feel like I would be way less nostalgic once I move out again.

Anyone else deal with this problem? Know how to solve this until I can move out? Like I said, I'm not completely depressed about it like I used to be. I am actually very happy about my job and am not dwelling on the past 24/7 like I did when I first graduated. But at times, usually during free time, I will find myself wishing I could go back. I may look at some photos I took and remember how I felt like I was a part of something, which made me happy. But I know it can't last forever. Any suggestions on how to deal with it? I feel like it is dumb to feel this way after so long but I can't help it.

The Skeezyks recommends compassionate abiding. It's a Buddhist practice. But here's a link to a mental health oriented description of the practice:

https://mindsetdoc.wordpress.com/201...e-abiding-101/

May it be of benefit.

Look for creative ways to move out on your own. It can be done.

I can sort of get that sometimes I wish I could go back to being a kid when things felt so much easier

I get that nostalgic feeling for a certain time period of my life too. In my case, it was year long period of hypo/mania. I am interested to know how you would describe your emotional/mental state during the period you describe.

Sorry for the late reply, thought I already did. Anyway, my emotional and mental state was, for the most part, good. I was in college from 2010-2015, the five years I miss the most. Yes, I did have problems, mostly with some people being generally awful. That can happen anytime and anywhere though. Even have to deal with some crappy people at work so that is nothing new. But I also had plenty good times. I may talk about them in a separate thread. But yeah, I was happier then than I am now. I had more independence as well.