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A Picture Perfect Moment

2014 January 19
by WWGD

Instagram-WhatWouldGwynethDo

We were at the beach this afternoon, soaking up the last hour of sunshine and warmth with some friends.

The kids were running free, doing a dance with the icy cold waves, building sand castles, losing themselves in childhood.

We sat in a semi circle of beach chairs and blankets, keeping half an eye on the kids as they played, chit chatting about family, holidays, the new year, new habits.

The sun started to lose itself in the horizon. The west coast sunsets. They are something. Pink and blue brushstrokes through the sky. So vivid, like the heavens were painting it just for us.

I took out my phone to capture a photo. A photo that would instantly make its way onto Instagram. I thought about feeling guilty for a second.

Was I too busy “capturing the moment” to appreciate it in real life?

But I couldn’t. I didn’t feel guilty for a minute. I wanted to share that moment. I wanted it out there, for the world – and me – to see and remember and appreciate.

I find so much inspiration online every day. I know, I know, the real world offers plenty of it, too. And I see that every day. But I don’t see sunrises in Bali or fish markets in Paris or snowy peaks in Aspen in my every day. I don’t find words of encouragement and wisdom and inspiration in the every day. I don’t see dream homes come to life and recipes that my mind can’t possibly fathom on its own and beauty and fashion and ideas that excite me.

I see it online because that’s where people put it. People like me, seeing a beautiful sunset. Eating a fantastic meal. Finding a perfect landscape. Taking a picture perfect moment and sharing it with the world. To offer up a laugh, a moment of beauty, a little inspiration.

And sometimes – admittedly not all the time – but sometimes, it’s really nice to capture that moment.

3 Responses
  1. January 20, 2014

    I agree! Beautiful photo. Thanks for posting 🙂

  2. January 20, 2014

    I love this perspective! There really is so much personal value in sharing your moments and seeing others’ as well. So much is written out there right now about putting your phone down to live in the real moment, which I agree with too, but I like your thought here, thanks for sharing (here and on IG!).

    • WWGD permalink*
      January 23, 2014

      Thanks, Jess! Appreciate the kind comment. 🙂

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