How to capture life-changing moments
“The art of life is to live the present moment” Emma Fox
If there’s one thing that’s the same for all of us it’s this: life moves quickly. One day you’re starting school and the next you’re starting work. If you don’t look up, pay attention and make an effort to notice what’s going on, it can all becomes a bit blurry. Luckily, time is punctuated by life-changing and unforgettable moments that give us an excuse to slow down, look around and enjoy where we are right there and then. These are the things that become treasured memories that we look back on in those wistful moments. That’s why it’s important to make the most of them and commit them to memory. Here are a few ideas to help you get started.
Take a photo and print it
With the rise of camera phones it’s never been easier to get a quick snap. But that also means that we’re sitting with hundreds (sometimes thousands) of pictures on our phones, cameras and computers that we never do anything with. Making an effort to print your photos will bring them physically into your life, and they can be passed down to future generations to giggle at their Grandparent’s fashion choice. Try a Polaroid camera for that instant gratification that comes with holding a print in your hand a few minutes later.
Live in the moment
While snapping away to fill those memory banks is wonderful, spending all our time on our phones is not. Putting your phone away, once the picture has been taken or the call answered can make a big difference to your ability to be present and in the moment.
Write a hand-written letter
Writing is a wonderful way of reflecting on an event. Getting your thoughts out on paper will solidify what happened in your mind and give you the pleasure of reliving the experience at a slower, more considered pace. You could journal, but why not squeeze every ounce of enjoyment out of the event by sharing it with someone else? Crafting a hand-written letter to a loved one is a special way to savour the moment and share it too.
Make a video diary
Technology is becoming more and more advanced enabling us to have a video camera in our pockets all the time. This means we’re less likely to miss those big moments but, just like photos, we’re probably stuck with loads of unwatched videos sitting on our phones. Making an effort to sort through the videos and compile them into a video diary will not only be satisfying now but will bring lots of joy and laughter to future generations who get to watch your home movies. You could try an app like 1 Second Everyday – recording a second of your day for a set period, like a trip abroad or even for a whole year.
