We often hear people say 'life is short', but when I look at my 96-year-old grandmother, I can't help but think, 'life is long, and full of stories'. Every wrinkle on her face, every twinkle in her eye, carries tales of love, laughter, struggle, and resilience. And it's through her stories, that I am constantly reminded of the importance of documenting our own lives. Here are some thoughts I refrelected on while taking photos of my family when they came to visit Costa Rica.

My grandmother, a beacon of wisdom, has lived through several historical periods, from World War II to the invention of the internet. She carries within her a wealth of knowledge, experiences, and stories that are nothing short of a living history book. Her vivid recollections of the past, coupled with the wisdom that comes from living such a long life, makes it so that every time she visits us in Costa Rica, a storytelling adventure. But more importantly, her stories serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of documenting our own lives.

The thing is, life has a tendency to move at a breakneck speed. We get caught up in our daily routines, chasing deadlines, and before we know it, years have passed. We tend to forget the little moments that make life beautiful and meaningful. This is where the importance of documenting our lives comes into play. It's through photographing our experiences that we can truly appreciate the unique journey that each of us is on.

Documenting our lives isn't just about keeping a record for posterity. It's about capturing the essence of our existence, the joys we've felt, the challenges we've overcome, and the growth we've experienced. It's about creating a tangible medium through which our life's journey can be shared, celebrated, and reflected upon. It's about leaving behind a legacy, not just for our future generations, but also for ourselves, to look back and see how far we've come.

So, every time my grandmother visits and shares her stories, I am reminded to take a moment to document my own journey. Whatever may seem like an everyday thing, may not always be so. I am reminded to take photos, in order to one day look back and remember the feelings of the moment and the stories behind them. It's a way of acknowledging and celebrating the uniqueness of life. My grandmother's stories are a treasure trove of life lessons, and through documenting my own life, I hope to create a treasure trove of my own.

In a world that's constantly changing, our stories, experiences, and perspectives are the only things that truly belong to us. They are our legacy. And by documenting our lives, we can ensure that this legacy may be passed on.