Saturday, July 09, 2005

Be prepared

It is not easy working the cash register all day. Especially in an upscale health food store where many of the customers treat you like a machine, a servant or a dog. That is why it is so important that you keep a good attitude. Smile through the endless stream of pampered patrons as they grimace impatiently just because they have to wait in line for 60 seconds or whatever. When they throw their dirty money at you or take forever to write a check or you have to input the card number manually because the magnetic strip has been wiped out because of magnets - just keep smiling.

At some point some one is going to call you on the phone. Maybe tomorrow, maybe the next day, maybe in a week. Here's the deal: be prepared - like a boy scout on Mount Everest. Start practicing that smile right now. Please don't procrastinate. You need to build up some momentum because when that anonymous person calls you, alot will be riding on your response.

The phone will ring while you are ringing up some body. They will be buying stuff like cookies, avacadoes, bananas, dental floss, lettuce and quinoa. When that phone rings, you will have a smile that has some serious momentum behind it. Not that sorry ass grimace that hurts your jaw. You need the kind of smile that lets you breathe up your back, pops vertabrae into place and tickles your third eye. As you pick up the phone, ignore the irritated sigh from the customer who wants to pay and get the heck out of the store so they can do what ever.

"Hi, Rainbow Bridge" you will say with a genuine smile.

First, you'll hear some static and then: "Sorry."

You'll respond with a sincere "Its OK." Then you'll hear a click and then a dial tone. Mission accomplished.

What more can I say? Way to go. That person that just asked for your forgiveness is on a twelve step program. They have been calling everyone they have ever offended in their life as a consequence of their abuse of alcohol. When they heard your genuine forgiveness, a feeling of transcendence washed over their body and seeped into their soul. They finally knew in their heart that the nightmare of binge drinking and the inevitable consequence of chaos and destruction had come to an end. They have now entered a new chapter in their life which revolves around love, service and forgiveness. All because of you. Keep up the good work.