"The problem was getting stuck in the past, always looking backward. Be grateful for what you have and dream about what is to come," reflects an immigrant in a message that resonates with thousands of people who face nostalgia during the holiday season.
Content creator Oliver Castro (@unnicaeneeu) shared a video discussing how Christmas can be challenging for those far from their home country, but it can also be an opportunity to find peace and savor the present moment. "Christmas doesn’t have to be a reminder of what you left behind," he stated, acknowledging that it is easy to "get stuck in the past and think about what life was like in your country."
Oliver emphasized that nostalgia should not become an obstacle to moving forward: “Nostalgia is not a bad thing; it’s a feeling that connects you to who you were. However, there’s something that almost no one talks about: you can’t build a future by living solely on memories.”
In his reflection, he also posed a straightforward question that encourages action: “How much time will you spend holding onto what is no longer there?” For him, the key lies in valuing the present: “No matter where you are, your land will always be within you, but if you don't live in the present, you won't truly be anywhere, neither here nor there.”
The video generated supportive reactions among his followers. One of them wrote: “It's hard to be away from family, but your words help find the strength to carry on.” Another commented: “Words I needed to hear, thank you, brother.” While some acknowledged the difficulty of leaving the past behind, many expressed gratitude for the sincerity of the message.
Oliver concluded his message by emphasizing the importance of moving forward: “We don’t emigrate to become ghosts of the past; we emigrate to build something new. You are the one who takes control of your own dream, so don’t let life pass you by without seizing the moment to enjoy the present. Merry Christmas, my immigrant brothers.”
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