Driving Through the Pain
Pain. Hurt. Loss. One of the hardest things to do is work with the public when all you want to do is go home and curl up in a ball. Facing a loss today, I made sure I was prepared. I brought chocolate, Kleenex, extra makeup, and ice cream in hopes that the little things would bring enough comfort. As a driver and store employee you learn to let the emotions out in private and then put your happy face on when speaking to your customer, not out of deceit but out of a need for privacy. You have to learn to be hurting and not drive like you want to hurt the world back. You learn to give everyone you encounter your best even when you’re at your worst. If asked if something’s wrong, don’t lie. Your loss is worth more than denying it because of your pride. Pain is like steam, give yourself an outlet or you will shatter like glass. Respect yourself enough to learn the difference between working through pain and working while pretending the pain does not exist.
P.S. I’ve found it best that if I must cry then I cry without shame but I try to do so in private if possible especially as a woman in a men’s field and out of consideration of the customers. Most people understand loss, and certainly everyone deals with it differently, but some will be less than kind.
Montana
