Take a moment and imagine if you could go back in time to a specific year for one day. What would you do? Who would you see? How would you live during that one day? I would like to think that we would all seize that day! I would go back to Christmas Eve, 1991 and spend some time with my sister at KB Toys again! I was 8 years old, and will never forget the feelings of nostalgia when I saw 2 video game kiosks. One contained the newly released Super Nintendo Entertainment System with Super Mario World. The other contained the newly released Sega Genesis with Sonic The Hedgehog! Pure nostalgia! The 1990’s was an incredible decade!
I started to think about a conversation I had recently with a co-worker. She was born in 1996 and had questions about the 90’s culture because of course, she was a baby in the 90’s. I told her how long a decade seemed to take back then, and how the year of 2020 felt like an entire decade in one year due to the number of major events we had. We all know what happened in 2020, so I will spare the details. I began to think about how much the human race went through last year! It is no wonder that mental health issues have skyrocketed since the start of 2020!
My co-worker had been struggling with anxiety and other issues. I struggle with the same and told her that I have learned to give myself permission to do certain things for my sanity. I give myself permission to go back in the past in my mind. I give myself permission to enjoy a cheat meal sometimes. I give myself permission to feel emotions, even sadness. I give myself permission to be silly at times, to dance crazy, to sing loud, and to live in the moment. I gave myself permission to become a Christian music artist, better known as “YOUR Neighborhood Hope Dealer!”
My question to my audience is this: When was the last time you gave yourself permission? Permission to do the things you like to do? Permission to live for today, not tomorrow or yesterday? Remember, we have lived a decade in a year with the number of events that happened in 2020. Don’t be so hard on yourself. If you struggle with anxiety like I do, take time out to watch 90’s sitcoms, 80’s rock videos, or 70’s movies. Sometimes I watch videos on YouTube of the “Roaring 20’s”. Yes I am talking about the 1920’s and how they lived back then! Whatever makes you happy, take time out to invest in your mental health. Life can’t be serious ALL of the time! We have all been through a lot, and we are all in this together! I hope this short post encourages you to give yourself permission.
Signing off,
V.R.- YOUR Neighborhood Hope Dealer!
Welcome 
This something I’ve been work of late. I think I spent far too long not doing things I enjoy, and that really did some damage.
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Thank you Matt for your transparency! I am right their with you brother! The best part though, it’s never too late to start my friend!
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Loved your article. I was born early 70’s so the 80’s 90’s are my stopping ground!!! I purchased an original Super Nintendo system off eBay in 2016. I usually only play in the winter ( more downtime.) I was playing a few weeks ago and my neighbor came by and was thoroughly amuzed. A week later came back with a mini Bluetooth game series and some controllers Lol. Shortly after I was having a conversation with a friend about it, she was also thoroughly entertained that I was sitting at home with my neighbor playing video games. She has since pulled her game system out of the attic.
Your not alone. I am a believer that life is precious and should be enjoyed regularly.
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Thank you Kimberly! Yes those were special times weren’t they? Thank you for sharing your experience. It is something about those old games that bring so much joy and nostalgia! God bless you!
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