LISTEN on: Apple Podcasts or Podbean or YouTube
I remember being around 13 and wishing I could drive. My future dream was that I could drive to 7-11 whenever I wanted to buy candy. CANDY. That was my motivation to drive a car. Well, of course, things changed, I grew up, exchanged ice cream for candy, had a few kids, a long and fruitful career, and …
Shopping is entertainment for many people. I don’t really shop for fun. Maybe, occasionally I’ll go to a guitar store or brouse Craigslist or Facebook Marketplace. Shopping is something I have to do, not something I want to do. In the organic grocery business, we have a lot of customers who shop for fun. They are here to browse, splurge, learn about some new marinade or brain-enhancing mushroom.
It’s a show. We align all the shelves perfectly. Facing, it’s called. Everything is more appealing when it’s perfectly lined up and full. I have learned to love the ritual of facing. It’s an OCD dream task. Imagine the spice aisle of the grocery store and your job is to arrange all the labels perfectly, touching all the exotic blends and magical mixtures of spices, herbs, and ancient family recipes. Words that I only associate with takeout food, are spices in small jars will interesting labels. Korma is a variation curry blend, not a dish. Unlocking all kinds of new ideas in my mind.
I’m also not much of a cook, so a good bit of this enthusiasm is wasted on me. I am in it for you. I just don’t relate all that much, unless we’re talking ice cream, or local IPA brewers. I am amazed by the variety of products passing through my hands. Vegetables I can’t name or remember how to spell when the customer tells me the name. Watermelons. Shea butter lotions. Bath bombs. Bath tonics. Bath explosions. Bath oils. It’s all very sensual, this store. The best smelling store in the world. Just spend a minute in the soap aisle and you will fell lighter because of the aroma therapy just misting about. It is a magical place.
It’s just a job. I like it. I love seeing all the people, young, old, fit, infirm. I enjoy making them laugh. Looking them in the eye and seeing if there’s a glint of recognition. I am the happy cashier, and even if I don’t understand shopping I can enjoy the experience with you. I can facilitate your dream.
[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.
