Expensive Memory

I think we all recognize that memories are never perfect. In the best-case scenario, they're like a colander that holds the essential ingredients but allows minor and more subtle elements to escape. As a result, our memories are porous and permeable and have a way of depreciating over time.

My answer to this challenge is photography! While I'm not a professional photographer, I do know my way around a camera. I understand the basic principles of composition, shutter speeds, and F-stops. I can conquer my very feeble human memory with a great picture with my glorious Canon D7!

This week, I had the unique experience of traveling to Iguazu Falls in South America. A trip I've been planning for years. I expected to cage and capture the experience with my camera. I've done it before, and I'd do it again! Suck it faulty memory!

I arrived at the falls on a sunny mid-afternoon. The mist rising from the falls made it challenging to photograph what I could see with my eyes. I tried a variety of shutter speeds and aperture settings, but it wasn't happening. It became apparent to me immediately that this experience was so monumental that it exceeded my ability to capture it. As a result, my photography skills and lens budget would not meet this challenge.

So I said to myself, "You have found a very expensive memory. The kind that you can't capture with a photo. This experience is no silly amuse-bouche from a restaurant you want to capture for your Instagram feed. Breathe in the air from this jungle, and feel the mist on your face. Pay attention to the rumbling thunder under the soles of your feet. Just enjoy it. You won't be able to take this memory with you when you leave."

So if you ask me, "How was Iguazu falls?" all I have for you is this answer, "It was stunning, I don't think I'll ever see something like that again, and I don't have a photo to prove it. I just know I was there."

It doesn't have to be Iguazu falls. It could be a child holding your hand or a great conversation with friends around a campfire. Some memories are just meant for you. Enjoy them and cherish them. They start depreciating when you reach for your phone or camera.

Friend, thank you for reading! May you find good, expensive moments this week.

I didn’t get the perfect shot, but I know I was there, and that’s enough

P.S. There are some ideas here that were inspired by “How To Tell a Story” from The Moth. If you’re a storyteller, you should read it!