The Paradox of Presence

In an era where our every move can be documented, we’re often advised to “put the phone away,” “live in the moment,” and avoid the distraction of photos and videos. I was convinced by this wisdom. I travelled, explored, and lived fully in each experience, intentionally choosing to be present rather than seeing life through a screen. I thought I’d walk away with unforgettable memories, vivid and clear, that I could summon in all their beauty. But today, as I reflect, I realize that this decision may have cost me more than I anticipated.

With time, I noticed a gap. The vividness of the memories I thought would last forever has faded. Ironically, the most memorable parts of my adventures are those few instances I did capture. There’s something about seeing a photo or a video that instantly brings back the sights, smells, and emotions of a moment. Those were the breadcrumbs I had unknowingly left for myself along the way.

As I enter a new chapter of my life, I see that memories are a vital part of how we make sense of our experiences and identity. The sum total of our lives is not just in the moments we live but also in the memories we collect. Photographs and videos become anchors, rooting us to times and places that might otherwise drift away. They offer us a chance to revisit, reconnect, and relive.

Moving forward, I am making a new promise to myself: I’ll capture the memories. Not obsessively, but intentionally.

Life is short, and each moment is precious, but I don’t want to wake up one day with only faint recollections of the life I lived. The balance between presence and preservation is delicate, but both are essential to a life well-lived. After all, when we look back, our memories are the lasting evidence of the journey we took and the people we were along the way.