When did we decide that it is more important to capture moments than it is to live them? As always, it comes back to that love-hate relationship with technology that so many of us feel. We can hardly remember a time when we had to wisely choose which moments we wanted to be able to look at forever because film only held so many pictures. That dilemma has changed into scrolling through 10 pictures that are identical and having to choose which one captures you the very best.

Don’t get me wrong. Pictures are wonderful. The ability to stop time in a single frame is a gift, and nostalgia says, “Here you go, you romantic, sensitive soul. I saved this for you." There is definitely nothing wrong with pictures. Rather, it is the convenience of photography that has caused many of us to live our lives through our phones. When does capturing the moment keep you from living it? Sometimes, it is a fine line, but here are four signs that it’s time to forget about remembering this moment forever and just soak it in.

You feel anxious that you have yet to post on social media today.

If not taking a picture of your everyday life gives you anxiety, it is time to take a break. Trust me, we do not need to see another picture of your ice cream cone in front of a blank wall, or your legs extended on that sandy beach. Once that feeling of picture-panic hits, you are not trying to save a memory but rather trying to prove that you have a fun, spontaneous life. Forget about the picture, and eat your ice cream. Your friends already know how fun you are.

You spend more than 10 consecutive seconds trying to catch the scene.

If your phone is not able to pick up the hues of that gorgeous sunset, then maybe that sunset was meant for you to enjoy with your eyes. If you watch the entire fireworks show through your phone or go through 15 different settings so you can always remember how big and orange the moon was tonight, you have forgotten how to live in the moment. Did you really spend that much money to go to a concert and get frustrated that you were unable to get a clear picture of the stage?

Capturing the moment results in breaking the moment.

The number of times I have seen parents interrupt their children’s play for a “candid photo” makes me sad. Making them stop “playing house” to pose for a picture that will sit in your phone for 18 months is not worth it. Capturing the moment might mean one kid is looking up and the other is facing the other direction, and if that does not sit well with you, then just watch them play. It’s cuter when you can hear the dialogue, anyway.

More than 10 percent of your pictures are selfies -- of just you.

Reasons for this should be obvious. Your phone is not a mirror, and you are ruining your face for the rest of us. We get bored easily. Move on.

Some everyday moments are just that – everyday moments. What is so great about preserving a memory that you failed to fully experience? Let’s go back to picking and choosing when the camera should be used and just enjoy the rest of the time. Some moments are simply meant to be lived and appreciated, and if a moment is really special, it will live in your memory for quite a while, even without that magic filter.