“Maybe I haven’t been doing it right”, I wondered as I hit submit on yet another Google Maps post. After all, my as of this writing 156 contributions read more like a recollection of events than actual appraisals of places. Was I even helping anybody?
And then the badge. “You’re a Top Local Guide!”, it announced in dark green hues that soothed away my doubts. I found myself in the top 5% of Local Guides in Santa Clarita, a feat I’m particularly proud of considering I’ve only been living in America for three years.
So I carry on exploring new flavors and landscapes, writing about the motivations that led me to them, the people who colored my perspective of them, the pretty little moments I made in them. Because documenting life should be less about labeling it good or bad, and more about being in awe at all it has to offer.