Experience over Documentation

With all the technology available to us today, it seems to be increasingly difficult to truly experience life. Add on the extra pressure of being a travel blogger who needs to get some great shots for a post, and you just might spend more framing shots than anything else.

Recently, I have taken the time to allow myself more freedom to experience my life and my travels. I am so very lucky to take as many trips as I do. Yes, the photos are great for memories and useful for posts, but sometimes I think we lose bits and pieces of the experience by focusing too much on making it look great on film.

How many times have you gone to a museum and seen more people snapping photos with their phones or cameras than simply standing and appreciating the art? What about a gorgeous, tranquil beach full of people instagramming photos of their feet in the water? Or a restaurant of people who aren’t eating because they have yet to find proper lighting to photograph their food?

A bunch of writers with cameras and the only guy smiling at the camera is the awesome chef who taught this cooking class.

Are you guilty of choosing documentation over experience?

I know that I am. If I’m not lugging around my camera, I’ve got my phone ready to go. I’m constantly thinking what would make a good tweet, instagram, or photo for a post. While I am often pleased with the photos I have taken after the fact, I sometimes find myself struggling to remember everything that happened before and after each shot. What mood was I in when I took this photo? Was this food as delicious as it looks or did I just get the lighting just right? Who was I with?

I will not let a camera or social media dictate how I live my life

I love blogging. I truly enjoy bringing my readers closer to the experiences I have. It is for exactly that reason that I needed to take a step back from my camera. Some of you may have read my recent post about struggling with writer’s block and emotional issues. Well, I believe that spending more time documenting than experiencing my life was part of that rut I dug myself into. I stressed myself out and turned my awesome life into an obligation.

Allow me and yourself this freedom

My friend Jorge took this photo of Magu and I just enjoying the sun.

I would like you all to understand why I skipped the photos and social media updates on some recent trips and why I will do so again in the future when I feel the need to. However, I would also like to ask each of you to allow yourself that same freedom. Take a step back and think about whether a moment might be tarnished by whipping out a camera or updating your location on your phone. Give yourself a chance to just live your life in the best way that you can.