6 emotional phases everyone experience when they stumble on their old write-ups

Kehinde Omotosho 15:33 - 04 May 2017

An Old Journal

Stumbling on an old piece leaves s a number of emotions knocking on the door to our hearts, from the initial excitement that comes rushing in us to the nostalgic feeling and eventually left baffled.

Have you ever stumbled on an old piece you wrote some time ago, say when you were still a little girl/boy?

Well, I have and I can tell you the feeling that comes with such discovery is usually indescribable in just one word. It's a mixture of feelings which starts first with some sort of excitement and pride which follows suit.

I recently stumbled on an old journal of mine which I wrote when I was only about 8 or 9 years old. It was a collection of my writing piece, from story time tales to poetry to essays and speech writing and of course, the artistic side of me was on display with all sort of imaginative drawings in it. Great collection you say, and I do agree.

Going through every page of the book, critically observing my writings and vividly exploring the state of my mind back then gave me a sense of the emotional stages we experience when we stumble on our old piece and I guess I'm speaking for a good number of people as well.

1. Excitement

It feels totally good to realise that you could come up with a piece, either good or bad. Just having enough courage to put down something was all that matters. You just want to dive in and see what's in it.

2. Pride

Going through the write up makes you feel proud of yourself so much that you put the piece in a collection of your achievements. Often times, you just want to share it with your family and friends and even the whole world via social media and all. That's how proud you are of yourself.

3. Impressed

There's nothing as good as realising that you've got a good writing prowess, especially when you think you suck at it. You just become so impressed with yourself that you appreciate yourself better.

4. Nostalgic

It takes you down memory lane and you recall what exactly triggered the write-up.

5. Embarrassed

Reading some of those things could be somewhat embarrassing, that you wish you could fly back in time to correct some things. Especially when it's a diary journal.

6. Baffled

Everyone's thought pattern reflects in their write-ups and it's a little baffling when you look back and realise the kind of mindset and mentality you had back in the days. But all the same, you feel good in all.