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Hear the discussion of this chapter free on YouTube: Best Days
Back in the day, struggling with depression and the death of my older brother, my therapist at the time said something that changed my entire trajectory.
“You’re not depressed. You’re unhappy. You don’t like being unproductive. But you’re not depressed. I’ve seen depression.”
She was right. My entire narrative about myself changed. I wasn’t depressed, I was pissed to be feeling less than 100%. And sad when my energy levels dropped and I became more lethargic. But here’s the the thing.
My average days would be considered “best days” by many. I have created a scale from 1 – 10 about where I am on my emotional spectrum. I was speaking with a friend about my new “not depressed” idea and he said, “Dude, you’re 5 is my 9. I never get as revved up and enthusiastic as you do.”
Okay, so I’m a bit higher than most. I get that. It’s been that way all my life. I was always the kid at the table who was told, “John, you don’t have to talk so loud, we’re all here.”
But it wasn’t for attention. It was enthusiasm. I’m still that way.
As an evolving adult I am learning to taper my energy and joy to meet the specific need or specific interaction. In the case of being a cashier, I match the energy of the person who enters my checkout lane. I offer greetings. Gauge the response. Continue our interaction according to their vibe.
I may not like the on-the-phone-the-entire-time customers, or the too busy to be pleasant ones. I may not like the woman in the red hat, but I’m going to give her the best customer service I can. I am not here to be happy, be productive, or be myself. I’m here to be a cashier, a bagger, a personal shopper, a cart runner. I am here for them, and for them upstairs.
I am here for myself. And, with each opportunity, I am here for you. The opening is given, the rest is up to you. I’ll wait.
See you in line in a few hours.
[Listen to the Deep Dive explore the concepts of The Happy Cashier.]
The hope I see in others
becomes the hope I have for myself,
my life, and my own journey.
– The Happy Cashier
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ALT: Botisatva’s Bookshelf | The Happy Cashier Podcast
RESOURCE: Roadmap for Retail Workers from the Happy Cashier
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