Blast from the Past: How Reconnecting to Old Passions Can Rejuvenate, Re-energize, and Rock Your World

I just got back from Tucson where I had the distinct pleasure of indulging in one of my favorite teenage pastimes – enjoying the sights and sounds of British pop band Duran Duran. Every time I see them or hear them, I’m reminded of my absolute obsession with them back in the 80’s. The hair, the guy-liner, the pouty lips, the provocative lyrics and videos. I was a definite Duranie back in the day.

And reconnecting to those memories helps me remember some good things about growing up. Like the first time I saw them in concert and my mom allowed me to go on my own. Or when my step-father sent me a gift of red, teardrop earrings in the mail, signed by keyboardist Nick Rhodes. Or the hunt for band memorabilia in every record store, drug store, and novelty store. My obsession with Duran Duran as a teen helped me find focus, passion, independence, and possibilities. But in a good way. Now every time I see them and hear them, I’m reminded of those feelings, and it helps me reconnect to my teenage self.

Now before you judge me for my obsession, I want you to think about an obsession you have (or had). What good things came from that obsession? What good memories do you have? Who else was involved? How do you feel when you think about it all?

We can learn so much from our past about who we are, who we were, and who we longed (and long) to be.  Reconnecting to an old passion can help us recalibrate and remember good times, good feelings, good friends, etc. It can help us remember what may have gotten buried over the years by obligations and responsibilities – all the shoulds and have-to’s.

I challenge you to reconnect to one of your old passions and see what happens. As for me, I’ve still got a little ringing in my ears and my voice is a little hoarse, but it seems like a small price to pay to get back in touch with one of the things that got me through some tough years.

Photo: Duran Duran © by Jason Persse