Stasha and Her Perspective

I first met Stasha (www.northwestmommy.com) through Listicles. You see Stasha is the mother of Listicles. Every Monday bloggers flock to her blog. They laugh, they have fun, they joke, they share their lists that applies to that weeks theme and it is an absolute blast! There is something about writing a list, something about joining Stasha and her Listiclers at that space that makes writing fun!

Even with all that fun, it wasn’t until I joined Instagram that I really got to know her…. I had just started out on Instagram. I followed Stasha’s photos and was amazed by their beauty and Stasha’s ability to capture it with her camera. Instagram was my first step toward sharing more of the real me. I wanted to share the real me with more of my twitter and blogging friends but quite frankly I was terrified (long story, irrational, ask Shirley about it, she’ll roll her eyes, shrug her shoulders and sigh… its a long story. I’m working at it). I hit the green approved button allowing Stasha to follow me on Instagram. I was actually giddy with excitement that Stasha the photography goddess (oh, is that only in my mind?!)wanted to follow my pictures. Still I was terrified.

I rushed to twitter to DM her. I spewed to her my typical ramble, these pictures are the real me but I am fiercely protective of my anonymity on Twitter and with blogging. I hope you understand. Then Stasha did what she does best…. she graciously listened, she was infinitely kind, she shared and she gave me perspective…

Perspective that bridged fear and lead to trust

Perspective that brought whimsy to the ordinary

Perspective that brought me depth

Perspective that gave me strength

Perspective that allowed me to share the real me

Perspective that had more layers then she knew…

My stomach continued to churn and I took several deep breaths. Sharing with this new friend was a huge deal to me. After several DM’s continuing to explain my concern she simply responded, “I would hope that you would show me, my family and my pictures the same respect I show you.” That moment I learned lesson 1,256 about people I have met through social media… They have so much to teach me.

Stasha taught me.

Stashataught me an unexpected and deeply meaningful lesson in perspective. I am more thankful then she will know for the perspective and trust in others she has shared with me!