To Be An Uplifter !!! By Scott Grace Of Https://www.facebook.com/scottkgrace

To Be An Uplifter


by Scott Grace

For 25 years I traveled the globe with my music
and healing work and made enough money to pay the bills,
save for retirement and take vacations.

My biggest fear while I was in my glory being a troubadour,
was that someday the work would dry up.

Well, it was my destiny to face my biggest fear.

The work dried up.

Eight months ago I took on a part-time job
at Sprouts Farmers Market, a chain grocery store
that specializes in health foods,
sort of like a cross between Trader Joes and Whole Foods.

I cleaned bathrooms, swept the floor,
took care of the garbage, and helped customers find items.

I was learning more deeply about service and humility.

I practiced what Mother Teresa said,
"Do small things with great love."

When Covid 19 hit, suddenly a line of people
were waiting to get into the store,
and they put me to work outdoors
greeting people and managing the line.

I take pride in my job, uplifting the energy,
bringing humor and playfulness
to the waiting experience,
which can be so cumbersome
for so many people.

I imagine myself to be a cross between Mr. Rogers
and Oprah Winfrey.

I invent new things to say every day,
but I have a few favorites that I come back to.

An example is, “I’d like to tell you about the specials”,
I might say to a family with children.

“You’re special, and you’re special, and you're special!”

Sometimes I ask people how they are coping with the virus.

I draw them into an authentic discussion.

I listen and empathize.

Other times I invite people to protest a bit.

“One, two, three, four, let us into the goddamn store!

Five, six, seven, eight, we don’t want to frigging' wait!"

I get into a zone, like some kind of trance state.

I ask the universe to use me as a vessel,
and out of my mouth come words that surprise
and enchant me.

Sometimes I say, “I love you” to people.

Sometimes I sing songs.

There’s a lightness in my heart,
a power and clarity that comes through me
from the core of my being.

I’m on purpose.

I never could have dreamed that someday

I would put down my guitar

and do my healing work

undercover at a grocery store.

To be an effective uplifter,

I have found,

it is wise to speak words that are unpredictable,

new and fresh.

It lulls people out of their unconsciousness.

It wakes them up.

“Welcome to Sprouts.

Have an amazing shopping experience.

Go in there and have some fun!”

I also have the honor of saying goodbye
to people as they leave.

“Thank you for shopping at Sprouts.
May the rest of your day be blessed with joy
for absolutely no reason!”

The virus is bringing people down.

Perhaps you can join me in lifting them up.

Being an uplifter takes your attention away
from your pain, your unmet needs,
and you end up feeling happier yourself.

If you ask the universe to work through you, it will.

If you sincerely pray for the courage
to get out of your own way, you will,
and gifts and talents you never knew you had
will come forth.

Saint Francis prayed,


“Lord, make me an instrument of thy peace.

Where there is sadness, let me sow joy."


Let’s take our attention away from our phones,

connect with people, and sow some joy! <3




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