Listen to the Podcast: The Happy Cashier
My goal at rejoining “the grocery life” was to pull myself up out of a deep depression. I won’t go into all that, but I do know, like most of us, when struggling with mighty battled we tend to isolate from our friends and family. For me, even coffee was lost. It no longer tasted good. I no longer provided any lift, only anxiety. Becoming feril was a bad idea. So, I jumped online and got the job in less than a week, thanks to an AI, Sage. I chatted with her online Sunday midday. I was interviewing on Monday and working by Friday. Wow, that was a whirlwind.
The first week was rough, I’m not going to kid you. 50% was my own shame and sadness, or call it self pity. The other 50% was exhaustion at being engaged at multiple levels for 8.5 hours a day. I didn’t know what the people were going to be like. My previous cashier role, for a different fancy grocery store, was okay, but the mini-bosses were petty and unenlightened.
Here’s the thing about enlightenment: it’s an inside job. Today, as I prepare for my 8.5-hour shift, I can say I’m excited to see my friends, watch the amazing flow of healthy and health-seeking people. It’s a parade of humanity. And as their cashier, I have a simple job. Greet them. Look them in the eye. And bless them with my goodwill and service. THAT ALONE IS 90% of my RECONSTITUTION. In one week, I was lighting up my lane. In week three, I received “employee of the week.”
My addiction is people and ice cream. I have both here in abundance. I stay away from the frozen aisle for good reason. But I bask in the stream of humanity that looks to me for direction, competence, and joy. That’s what I bring to my life and to the lives of others: joy. It’s like giving a gift. Most here are open to sharing a smile and some happy banter. Some are not distracted by their phone call or their life complications. I am just here, doing my best.
We are all doing our best. Some of us have learned to adapt and focus that attention outward. Less self-obsession. More self-compassion. And this comes from an attitude of gratitude and helpfulness.
“Hi, this lane is open. I am so glad you’re here,” I say each morning.
[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
the happy cashier index < previous post | next post >
ALT: Botisatva’s Bookshelf | The Happy Cashier Podcast
Please check out my latest book on mindfulness and daily practices.
