In Cologne, Brussels, Prague, Istanbul, Dubai, Seoul, and other cities where people from all over the world streamed in, I always saw smiling people. They were constantly taking photos and collecting dead moments. Then I realized that I, too, was constantly taking photos, having them taken, and forcing myself to laugh while doing so. I was unhappy, and I was posing for happy poses so that I could look into an uncertain future and be happy.
I turned off my cell phone and stopped taking pictures. I started watching people walk around with cell phones in their hands or selfie sticks and smiles on their faces. These same people were not smiling when they were not collecting memories. They were unhappy, and they were in the habit of forcing themselves to smile only when they decided to kill the moment and save it for the future. My life changed when I realized the lightness and volatility of the happiness on their faces.
I decided to live in the present, to enjoy the sights and sounds of the places I visited, to interact with the locals and learn from their cultures, to taste the flavors and aromas of their cuisines, to feel the warmth and coldness of their climates, and to experience the joys and sorrows of their lives. I stopped worrying about capturing every moment and started living every moment. I realized that memories are not something you can store on a device but something you can create in your mind and heart.
I met new people, made new friends, fell in love, broke up, moved on, traveled more, learned more, and grew more. I discovered myself, my passions, my dreams, my fears, my strengths, and my weaknesses. I became more aware, more grateful, more compassionate, more curious, more adventurous, and more alive. I realized that happiness is not something you can fake or force, but something you can find and feel.
I still have my cell phone, but I use it sparingly. I still take pictures, but only when I feel inspired. I still smile, but only when I feel happy. I still collect memories, but only when they are meaningful. I still look into the future, but only when I have something to look forward to. I still remember the past, but only when I have something to cherish. I still live in the present, but only when I have something to live for.
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