Here’s The Thing:

Travel is more than the perfect Instagram picture.

There I said it. Honestly, what did we do before the perfect Instagram picture? 

Capturing the perfect memory of our travel on the camera is essential. We will post the perfect Instagram picture in our feed or to Facebook for Facebook memories to remind us overtime of that exact moment.

And yes, we pose, people, have always posed! I have a picture of my mom posing before she had kids on a windy bridge in her high-waisted jeans – that’s nothing new! But if you only travel to gain likes on another perfect Instagram picture than you’re missing the whole point of travel.

Especially if those likes and comments are bought and that’s a whole other post; or you could read ‘The Truth About Influence on Instagram’ – make note all my social accounts are organically grown! ( Just sayin’!)

The thing is, I’ve seen tourist walk up to a landmark, pose for the perfect Instagram picture and walk away looking at their phone.

Seriously? You just missed the whole experience. 

A sighting of an elephant in busy down Toronto could walk right by and they would be oblivious.

Thank goodness, I’ve caught myself and have grounded my attention (meditation works great). I can remember this moment like it was yesterday.

I’m not here to judge.

You do you, and I’ll do me.

Gosh, could you imagine if we all were the same?

Boring.

But I’m all about inspiring you to STOP and enjoy the moment!

Sure, snap the “perfect” picture.

I will be snapping one too. But STOP and take the moment in.

Breathe in the air.

The smell.

The experience.

And look at the surroundings around you – the people, families, children, nature.

Daily we are surrounded by so many beautiful moments and creatures in life, and yet many of us miss it all.

Who cares if a stranger in BC thinks our Instagram feed is on point? 

Personally, I want that stranger in BC to be inspired by my travels to take their own.

My dream is that I’ve inspired them to pack the car for a local road trip and make memories with their kids.

I pray they find nature and quietness within their soul.

I wish for that stranger to quietly find themselves lost in mindful moments, so much so, that they forgot to check their emails for the hundredth time that day.

Sure, capture that Instagram moment.

But if you’re spending more time setting it up, what are you losing by doing so?

Time with your kids?
And what are your actions telling your kids?

I love photography, it’s a passion of mine, something I take pride in. Please just remember it is all about balance. Don’t look back one day and miss out of the essential parts of today because the only significant piece at the moment was the picture, not the moment itself.

Take note from your kids they have a lot to teach you in the big picture of life. 

Thank you for reading Tammy from In R Dream!