I have a select few friends that yearn for (as they consider it) the halcyon days of yore. Days when politics, society, food, the environment and or culture, etc. was more ‘traditional’.
I completely understand their frustrations. As we get older, we do find modern society more challenging. But my worry for them is that their constant fight against change will only bring them unhappiness.
No matter how things seemed in the past, there were difficulties back then, too. I suspect there are few who would claim the past was completely perfect. The changes we’re facing today may also not be perfect, but fighting against inevitable change can only bring the disputant ire.
It’s like a bulb going out and, instead of just changing it, we stick our fingers repeatedly into the socket to prove the point. It’s painful, fruitless and most of all, pointless. We have to find a way to come to terms with change and stop sticking our fingers in the light socket of life every time we’re confronted with the inescapable.
I truly hope my friends come to terms with their discontentment. Life is difficult enough without this self-imposed burden. We have to find it in ourselves to either move with the times or at least accept it, otherwise the only option is an unhealthy cycle of resentment.