Why This Blog?

Why This Blog?

The focus of GenX Spirit came into clear view thanks to Mark Joseph Stern and his article Neural Nostalgia—Why do we love the music we heard as teenagers? You know that feeling you get when you hear your jam from high school? It makes you pause a second ‘cause it touches your soul? Stern calls this an “escape hatch” that sparks a “reminiscence bump”; one that leaves an “emotional afterglow” caused by “neurochemical bliss.” Sounds familiar, right?

Apparently, neural nostalgia is backed by science. Since our teenage brains are developing and changing so fast, our neurological reactions to music when we sing, dance, and relate to a song’s lyrics create strong memories tied to our emotions. This is especially true at a time when we’re developing our identities—our early teens to early 20s. So, the music we loved in our youth remains a big part of who we are.

Is It Just Music?

What about the movies we loved to watch? The TV shows we never missed? Or the events that made the history books? Might those “reminiscence bumps” stimulate us neurologically too? Just like the song that reminds us of our first love, a movie might take you back to that first real dose of freedom that came with getting your license. Maybe the TV shows we watched as kids recall good times with our family. Cartoons may prompt memories of our carefree lives as kids. 

Who am I? 

This is us...Feb '73

This blog is the brainchild of a GenX gal with a passion for writing and a love of music powered by a nostalgic spirit. 

Born in 1967, I’m an earlier Gen Xer. I grew up in the ‘70s and ‘80s, the middle child of two awesome Traditionals from the Silent Generation. They instilled in us a great love of music and an appreciation for simpler times.

With two kids of my own—one Millennial and one Gen Z—I’ve got an expanded appreciation for simpler times. Don’t get me wrong—I love their music, their tech-savvy brilliance, and their you-be-you attitudes of acceptance. Watching the ever-changing world my kids grew up in often left me grateful to have been a Generation Xer and a clearer understanding of the things that make Gen Xers Unique.

This blog is dedicated to my parents, my sisters, and my kids—my biggest fans and greatest sources of encouragement.

Follow this blog as we raise some “emotional afterglow” from all things Generation X. Hint: Following our blog will for sure raise your GenX IQ

Cover photo by Immo Wegmann on Unsplash
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