Life Changing Conversations in the Grocery Store

 I have had more than one life-changing conversation in the grocery store.  Anyone else?  

A few years ago, I started shopping at a new grocery store, Lydl.  One of the cool things about this store is that they have a large display of fresh cut flowers as soon as you walk in the door.  It’s like the foyer of the whole store.  You are immediately surrounded by bouquets of flowers. 

One day, I walked in and was drawn in by the assortment of flowers.  I wanted to buy some but the practical side of me said, “no”.  It doesn’t make sense.  They’re just going to die.  It’s better to buy a potted plant.  It’s a waste of money.  You don’t NEED those.

But still… I looked at the price.  $8 for a bouquet.  Not much, really.  I could spend that and not even notice the difference on my grocery bill.  And yet, I stood there frozen.  Something inside of me just wouldn’t allow me to buy flowers for myself.  

Out of nowhere, a voice interrupted the conversation I was having with myself.  

“Beautiful, huh?”  It was a woman, elegant and kind…I’m guessing she was in her 50s. I was still in my 30s…a baby, really.

“Yes, ma’am” I replied.  

“Are you thinking about getting them?” she asked.  

“I don’t know.” I said.

Then, she got serious.  She stepped in toward me.  Looked me straight in the eye.  “You’re married, right?”

“Yes, ma’am” 

“Got kids?”

“Yes, ma’am” 

“I bet you work too.  Don’t you?” 

“Yes, ma’am” 

“You deserve those.  Don’t question that.  Get them!  These will look great in your kitchen and they’ll bring you joy.  Get them.  In fact, these lilies will look amazing with these roses.  Get both.”

She scooped up a bouquet of lilies and a bouquet of roses and plopped them into my cart.  Before I could think to protest or give an excuse for why I shouldn’t get them, she was gone.  Vanished, as I remember.  I didn’t see her anymore in the store afterwards either.  As far as I’m concerned, she was an angel sent to tell me exactly what I needed to know in that moment.  

It seemed that she knew what I was thinking.  Maybe she had been there.  Maybe she had put off prioritizing joy for herself too long.  She was on a mission to spread the word to another woman.  Don’t wait.  Don’t search for reasons to pass up joy.  Don’t look for reasons that you don’t need joy, you don’t deserve joy.  In fact, whatever joy you were considering…DOUBLE THAT!  

When I got home with not one, but two bouquets of flowers…You should have seen the look on my husband’s face.  He lit up!  He was SO happy for me.  “Wow, Mama!  Look at you!  These are beautiful.  I bet they make you happy!”  My joy, gave him joy!  I started regularly buying flowers and then, made space in my garden to grow my own.  Fresh cut flowers still bring me lots of joy.  I’m so thankful for the woman who took a moment to speak to me in the grocery store.  I wish I knew her and could tell her the difference she made.  The best I can do, is pay it forward.

I look for those opportunities now too.  The opportunity to tell another woman.  “You deserve this”.  Honestly, I look for the opportunity to let any human know.  You were made for joy.  

Your joy doesn’t take away from someone else’s.  You can feel joyful without stealing the joy from someone else.  In fact, your joy gives those around you permission to feel joyful too.  Joy is contagious.  

So, if you’ve ever wondered why I sign off “You deserve the joy and peace you desire”.  It’s because of the woman I described above.  It’s my way of honoring the gift that she gave to me.  She gave the gift of joy to me years ago and I’m on a mission to share that life-changing wisdom with you (and anyone else who will listen)!  

With all of my heart…

You deserve the joy and peace you desire!  I’m cheering you on!

Much Love,

Stacey