Gratitude found on memory lane

I was recently on a phone call with my friend, Cindy, whom I’ve known for many years. We worked at a grocery store where I was hired as a high school sophomore and employed for nearly 10 years.

After our call, I reflected on some of my memories of those days, and one in particular held meaning. I’d been hired as a grocery bagger, and as my graduation approached, I expressed interest to the floor managers in getting promoted to cashier.

One day, while on shift, one of the managers, Dave, motioned for me to come to the front desk. In a hushed tone, he said, “Lambert (the store director) is going to offer you a promotion to the bakery—don’t accept it. It’s a miserable position, and you’ll get stuck back there. Thank him for the opportunity, but tell him you’re more of an asset where you currently are.”

He said to continue working hard, be patient, and that a promotion to cashier would likely be coming.

Later that day, Mr. Lambert’s voice sounded on the store’s speaker system, calling me to his office. He asked me to sit down and, as Dave said he would, he asked, “How would you like to work in the bakery?” Following the advice I was given, I thanked him, but said that my interactions with customers felt important to me, and that I had my sights set on becoming a cashier.

Mr. Lambert’s response was difficult to read. I could tell he wasn’t mad, but I think he was surprised I hadn’t accepted his offer. He was likely expecting to fill the bakery position easily, and I’d just thrown him a curveball.

A few months later, my patience paid off, and I was promoted to cashier.

As I recalled this long-ago memory, I felt a sense of gratitude for Dave having looked out for me and my best interests. Without his forewarning, Mr. Lambert’s offer would have caught me by surprise, and my 18-year-old self would likely have felt obligated to accept.

There’s absolutely nothing wrong with working in a bakery, but arriving at work at 5 AM to bake the day’s cookies, bag up the bagels, and stock the cases with cinnamon rolls would have left me unhappy and resentful toward myself had I said, “Yes, Mr. Lambert. Thank you.”

With this memory, I also considered why Dave was looking out for me in the first place, and it was because of my work ethic. I understood the importance of showing up on time, carrying out my duties without waiting to be told, and conveying through my actions that I appreciated my job.

I then felt gratitude toward myself for fostering that work ethic through the employment opportunities that followed. One of the primary reasons I’m successful as a fitness trainer is that, beyond helping my clients get stronger and healthier, my actions make them feel cared for and valued.

The few minutes spent with this grocery store memory were an unexpected and rewarding trip down memory lane.

My wish is that, as a small gift to yourself, you’ll reflect on a time when someone looked out for you and had your back, like Dave did for me. Maybe a teacher boosted your confidence in a subject, a boss recognized your potential, or a friend showed up when you really needed them. Gratitude and appreciation are nourishment for the soul, and can bloom when revisiting these memories.

If you find gratitude on memory lane, I’d love to hear your story.