When Sarah first enrolled her daughter in ballet classes she went to the local dance supply store to look for the required tights, leotard, and shoes. She hated shopping in retail stores, but she needed the items before the class started the next day. When Sarah entered the store the woman at the desk looked up at her as if Sarah had just answered her cell phone in the middle of a quiet theater during the third act. Sarah smiled hesitantly and started looking around. She couldn’t find tights in her daughter’s size, so she went over to the counter to ask for help. The answer? A very terse, “No, we’re out.” Sarah left the store, but didn’t give up. Later, she found all she needed at a local consignment shop.
The next night Sarah was chatting with one of the other parents while their kids were in class, and they got to talking about how hard it was to find the required dance clothes. When she mentioned the store she visited first, his response was, “I’ve been in there several times and they are the coldest bunch of people I have ever met.”
We might have thought to dismiss the salesperson’s attitude as her having one bad day, but it seemed as though Sarah’s experience was not a fluke. Other parents were having the same experience at different times. Clearly, the woman working in the store was not happy. If you’re going to have a job working with people, you should like working with people. If you must do something you do not enjoy try to find the bright side, like a fun co-worker or an employee discount. If there isn’t one and you can’t switch jobs just yet, think about something which makes you happy while you get the job done. Your unhappiness comes across in your manner every day without you noticing, even though everyone else does. Joy and positivity also come across in your manner without you noticing. Choose something to be happy about. It could be a hobby, a friend, or the knowledge a 3-day holiday weekend is forthcoming. Let the happiness fill you and override any anger or frustration. Life isn’t all sunshine and roses. That’s just reality. However, with practice we can teach ourselves to look for the positives around us and see the opportunities for joy in our daily lives.
List five (5) things which make you truly happy and bring joy to your life. My list included hanging out with my family and dressing up in costume. (Seriously, I might have more costumes than regular clothes. Every time someone has a party I immediately start wondering if there is a theme, and if I should wear a costume.) Your list should include anything that brings you joy. Perhaps you love cooking, or reading, or visiting theme parks. If you are having trouble thinking of things which make you happy, try thinking of something you are grateful for. When you are finished with your list save it with your other lists until you reach Day 30. You’re so close now!