Hey darling

Welcome back to the blog! Life moves fast, like, blink-and-you’ll-miss-it fast. One moment, you’re trying to figure out how to adult, and the next, you’re staring at photos wondering when your hairstyle became “retro.” If there’s one thing I’ve learned as I’ve gotten older (besides how to keep houseplants alive… sometimes), it’s that the moments that truly matter can slip through our fingers if we’re not intentional about holding onto them.

For the longest time, I was the queen of taking photos and videos. I’ve got enough random footage on my phone to make a full-length documentary called Why Did I Save This? But over time, I realised something was missing. The pictures captured the smiles, but they didn’t always capture the feeling. You know, that little spark of joy or nostalgia you get when a memory sneaks up on you. That’s when I started documenting my life differently, not just for the sake of remembering but to reflect on the moments and emotions that made this wild ride worthwhile.

Meaningful documentation doesn’t require a fancy camera or a ten-step process. It’s about finding what works for you. And trust me, behind the scenes of my life, I’m winging it most days. Between chasing a toddler, going the rollercoaster of work, and convincing my husband that cereal can, in fact, be dinner, it’s a beautiful mess. But that’s the beauty of it, the mess makes the moments even more special.

Why Document Your Life?

We often document our lives because we want to remember them, but it’s easy to fall into the trap of collecting images or videos without really experiencing what’s happening at the moment. As I’ve reflected on my own journey, I’ve realised that the most meaningful documentation goes beyond simply capturing visuals. It’s about preserving feelings, stories, and reflections that help me process my adventures, growth, and lessons.

Documenting Emotions, Not Just Events

When I think about documenting life, it’s easy to focus on the big milestones, birthdays, vacations, weddings. But the moments in between are just as meaningful. I’ve learned to capture the emotions that come with these experiences, the joy of a quiet morning, the beauty of a sunset, and the connection with a loved one.

One way I’ve started documenting these smaller moments is by keeping a journal. It’s not just a collection of events, but a reflection of my thoughts, my feelings, and the significance of what’s happening in my life. Whether I’m writing about a conversation I had or how I felt during a particular moment, journaling allows me to capture the essence of my experiences in a way that photos or videos never could.

The Power of Reflection

Another important aspect of meaningful documentation is reflection. It’s easy to forget about the significance of a moment once it’s passed, but when I take the time to reflect on it, I can appreciate it more deeply. Whether I’m journaling, or simply sitting quietly, I take the time to think about what that moment taught me, how it made me feel, and how it’s shaped me.

The act of reflection adds depth to the documentation process. It’s not just about recording what happened, but about understanding why it was important and how it fits into the bigger picture of my life. By reflecting on the experiences I’m documenting, I can turn fleeting moments into lasting memories that truly shape who I am.

The Power of Video

Another form of documentation I truly love is video. I’ve always been obsessed with taking photos and videos, even from a young age. There’s something incredibly special about capturing not just the visuals of a moment but also the voice and sounds that go with it. A video has the power to transport you back to the moment in a way that a photo alone can’t. It feels real, it captures the feeling and energy of the time, and when you watch it later, it can make you feel like you’re reliving that experience.

What I love about video is that it doesn’t always have to be posted. Sometimes, it’s just for me, a way to preserve the authenticity and emotion of a particular time in my life. Whether it’s capturing a conversation with a loved one, a spontaneous adventure, or a quiet moment of reflection, video allows me to remember more than just the event, it allows me to remember the essence of how I felt in that moment.

Finding Your Own Way

There’s no right or wrong way to document your life, it’s about finding what resonates with you. For some, it may be photography, for others, it may be painting, writing, or even audio recordings. The key is to find a method that helps you connect with your experiences on a deeper level. If you’re unsure where to start, try experimenting with different forms of documentation. You might find that your perfect method is a combination of several things.

For example, after travelling, I might write a journal entry describing my experience, and then create a blog post or podcast to capture the emotions I felt. Or perhaps I’ll take a few photos along the way but focus on the details that speak to me personally, rather than trying to capture everything.

The Importance of Being Present

Ultimately, the most important part of documenting life meaningfully is to be present in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in trying to capture the perfect photo or video, but sometimes, it’s better to simply experience the moment without worrying about how to document it. When we focus too much on documenting, we risk missing out on the experience itself.

When I leave my camera or phone behind and just absorb the moment, I’m able to truly connect with what’s happening around me. Later, when I go back to document the memory, whether through art, writing, or photos, I can do so with a deeper appreciation for the experience itself.

 

Documenting your life is not about collecting things, it’s about connecting with the essence of your experiences. It’s about reflecting on the emotions and stories that make those moments meaningful. Whether through painting, journaling, video, or another form of creative expression, the goal is to preserve the essence of what makes life so beautiful. Don’t just capture the events—capture the feelings, the memories, and the reflections that make them unforgettable. When you document your life in a meaningful way, you’ll find that the memories you create will stay with you far longer than any photo or video ever could.

And that’s what I’ve been reflecting on lately, how to capture not just the milestones but the messy, magical moments in between. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea before the chaos of the day begins or a laugh at the dinner table over something ridiculous my daughter said, those are the memories that stick.

Let’s be real for a second, life isn’t a perfectly curated highlight reel. Behind every meaningful photo or journal entry, there’s usually a chaotic backstory. Like the time I tried to video a sunset and ended up with five minutes of me saying and explaining to my toddler not to touch a specific object and why in the background. But even those imperfect moments deserve a little space in our memory banks because they’re real.

So, here’s my takeaway (and my gentle nudge to you), find a way to document your life that resonates with you. Maybe it’s journaling, maybe it’s taking photos, or maybe it’s recording videos that you never even share. The important thing is to connect with the moment before it slips away.

And don’t forget to be present. Trust me, there’s no better way to feel a memory than to live it fully in the moment. (Yes, even if it means you miss the perfect Instagram shot because someone smeared peanut butter on your top. Again.)

Thanks for hanging out with me today and letting me share a little piece of my messy, beautiful journey. Until next time, keep cherishing the small moments, laughing at the chaos, and documenting life in a way that feels true to you. And remember: the best memories don’t need a filter. 😉

Sending blessings your way!

Scherise. X