Tired of trying to control myself and my luminescent spectrum of emotion, I needed a way to focus on something more positive. I needed a project.
Working at the Newark Farmer's Market provided me the stage, the customers provided me the subjects. Nothing spikes my rage like having someone tell me to make their $4.20 purchase $4.00. "Make it 4 dollars." Not really a question, not really phrased politely, and not really business savey or fair for that matter to let each customer decide how much they will be paying for their locally farm grown fruits....
It to put it mildly, makes my blood boil.
After a few years of finding varying clever-ish ways to say "No, you need to pay what it's marked" I was no closer to not having heart palpations at least once a week.
A few weeks ago I witnessed my boss/friend Marie hugging our market manager. Having requested a hug earlier that day and having been DENIED said hug, I asked her how. How do you get someone to hug you when they clearly do not want to? Within a few customers, she had taught me. Most of it in the tone, some of it in the smile and the rest of it, putting your arms out and walking (sometimes very slowly and cautiously) towards them saying: "Gimmmmeee a huuuuuug."
Well it officially started today. "Free Hug With Purchase." There are signs, handy for pointing when a language barrier arises and people know the word FREE but don't understand what they're getting for free. Some people actually held their hand out for me to put the hug in...
My goal is simple. I want to change the way I feel about people. And then I want to change the way they feel about people. I want us to appreciate the people around us more, and treat even the most blood boiling blood boiler like they're a treasure. I want to change the vibe of the market, and maybe more.
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