Hey there!
I am that superb grocery store clerk from your local Health Food store. Perhaps, I have once bagged your groceries, asked about your children or dogs, put items on hold for you while you were on vacation, or helped you find a natural shampoo.
I have been known to play with the conveyor belt when bored, and occasionally snack on the bulk food items that customers gather and then decide not to buy.
Have I always loved this job? Heck no! Honestly, I contemplate quitting at least twice a week! But, the awesome people that I get to meet on a daily basis are the main reason I have stayed this long. (It's been approximately 15 months and counting.)
However, not ALL of my customers are gems- some are downright rotten. Thankfully, I have adopted effective ways to deal with these types of people and you can too!
Here are a few tips on how to keep your cool, regardless of who you are interacting with, and how to make the most out of these interactions:
1. When someone is unkind or rude, never take it personally.
You have no idea what that person has going on or what reasons they have for acting the way they do. On the other hand, you’d be surprised at how willing people are to discuss what's going on with them with strangers versus their own friends and family. It’s insane, I know! Listen to them (You may gain some great writing material for later.)
2. You CAN shield yourself from the negative energy that people emit!
Ever meet someone and immediately feel drained or uncomfortable? They probably were an energy vampire that sucked the good mood right out of you. I encounter these people on the reg, and how do I deal with them?
Well first, I smile. Yes, seriously! By first smiling, I see myself as sharing a positive vibration with this person, proving to both myself and the other person that my happiness cannot be shaken by his or her negativity.
When smiling doesn’t work and someone is really giving me a hard time, I envision a white light (shield) surrounding my entire body that can only allow good energy and love to enter.
I also carry some protective crystals in my apron like black tourmaline, amethyst, and tiger’s eye. (** Check out this one woman's blog. She talks about energy vampires and how to deal with them and so much more: http://www.sarahpetrunoshamanism.com/blog/the-truth-about-energy-vampires-its-not-what-you-think?rq=energy%20vampires.)
3. For every rude, ungrateful, awful person you encounter- there is a kind and insightful soul just around the corner waiting to restore your faith in humanity.
Some days, I will have an hour straight where it feels like I am dealing with only difficult customers. I will get upset and closed off, until I realize that I am becoming a grump. But then I stop myself! For every jerk that has stepped up to my register, there have always been double the number of awesome individuals to counter the negative ones.
4. You may be the energy vampire. AHH! If so, STOP IT IMMEDIATELY!
There have been some shifts where I notice myself just going through the motions—trying to rush through my interactions with customers because my mind is elsewhere --- or just viewing them as all the same: annoying and rude. When I get in this zone, I try to catch myself quickly and nip it in the butt. No one likes a Negative Nancy!
5. You can learn from others when you keep your mind and heart open!
I have made some truly great and valuable connections with customers when I have made the effort to actually get to know them and remember their names. I have learned from them helpful knowledge on nutrition, beauty, fitness, recipes, relationships, bike trails, travel tips, books to read, and more! People love to feel needed and useful! Take advantage of all the great mentors you can find!
That is all I got for now. I cannot share all my secrets!
So to conclude, I dedicate this post to all you cashiers out there hating life, try to change your mindset. See what you can gain from your job, if even, for just one day.
Sending peace, love, & light your way always,
- e.e.
