It's a cliché: I document because I want to remember. I have a terrible memory for details and I know I'll forget things. So I choose to write about it or photograph it. I waver on how self-indulgent it is to document it publicly here, but at the end of the day I'm glad it's here. The number of photographs have gotten a little out of hand and I regularly wonder what on earth will happen to all of them long-term, but for the moment it just feels good to do something to document because it forces me to stay grounded and present. I don't click away with a camera non-stop. I've gotten a lot better at that (and love the way Sheena talk about it here) but I capture things I want to remember. The imperfect, the messy, the sad, the sweet...it's all there.
And as I get started on this 31 Days of Documenting the Everyday adventure and share a bit more than my normal, there's one thing I want to make so so so so so so clear that I've slowly accepted: I don't think your days and moment have to be perfect to deserve to be captured. There's never going to be a perfect, but there will be your kids and life happening right in front of you and that is absolutely enough, that's all you need to capture.
I'd love to hear from you! Why do you document or want to start documenting more? Let me know in the comments below!
I'm spending 31 days writing and sharing a series about Documenting Your Everyday this month. Click here to see all of the posts as they're added and follow along.
I don't really document things anymore. When I was younger I loved using my camera and writing all sorts of things. Now I'm busy enough and there's always something on my mind. I think if I were to blog more and take more pictures it would help me stay in the present, ground me a bit.
ReplyDeleteI miss my blog so much. It has been my space to document and process. Really hoping I can make space for it soon b/c it's so good for my soul.
ReplyDeleteHi! I found your blog through the Nester's 31 Days link up.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to become more consistent in documenting the little things in everyday life because I am realizing more and more just how fleeting time is and I want to remember these precious moments with my children. I also want to be able to share tidbits of their history with them and their children some day. Looking forward to reading what you have to say over the rest of the month!
Hi! I follow your pinterest page and maybe instagram (need to check when I get up from my desk.;) Just stumpled upon your blog. So lovely, I love your ideas on documenting the everyday. We seem to follow the same recipe. I'm gonna add your lovely space to my feedly feed.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the loveliness.