A Wren Says

We both arrived early, waiting for the shop to open. We were both eager to head into the viral shop, but not eager enough to wait in the lines that were guaranteed to form. As we passed the time chatting, I learned that she was a content creator. I filed that piece of information away.

Once inside, she unapologetically snapped pictures of the process. The hands of the barista. The whisk for the matcha. The finished product and her baked good were positioned in the soft light coming from the window. The photo session continued.

She didn’t look around for judging eyes. She didn’t ask around for permission. She just did what she had come to do.

Meanwhile, once seated I took pictures of my order as if I were a private investigator trying to avoid notice. I couldn’t possibly allow anyone to see what I was doing. I’d be embarrassed. But why?

As I saw her taking pictures, I noticed the act. And yet, I didn’t build a case against her, filled with harsh judgements she would never recover from. I simply noticed and moved on with my life. What makes me different?

Am I so special, so spectacularly unique and unforgettable that people would not be able to think of anything but what I do? That everyone would need to stop and stare? So awe-inspiring that I trigger the envy of people who would feel the need to deflate my ego?

I would imagine not. But if I were, why not give them the show they deserve?

I am not special enough that I need to be hidden away.