Positivity at the Coffee Shop

I hear often about how our community, the nation, the world - you name it – are full of negativity. I agree that there is more than enough out there to go around. Unfortunately, I find myself caught up in it. I don’t like this, so if, and when, I recognize that I am there, I try to do what I can to extricate myself. One coping strategy that has helped me is to always keep searching for the positive. Positivity is out there, and really isn’t hard to find. But you must be intentional and persistent in looking for it. When I am searching, I am often amazed at what unfolds.

Most of my readers know that I frequent Sharla’s Coffee Stop. As a reminder, it is all of 250 steps from my driveway, serves up great beverages, scones, waffles, & muffins and has become a gathering place for many. I happened to head that way Saturday morning. I entered and positivity descended on me to the extent I needed to share the experience.

I arrived late in the morning and found the place packed and getting more packed by the minute. This is positive for any business. I wondered at all the people and discovered that Opala’s Music Studio students were setting up to put on a recital. Seemingly every parent, family member, and kid in the world were pouring in. You can imagine the scene. Opala set up a keyboard and began to organize the kids. The noise level was high with the nervous, excited chattering of everyone. It was great! What a community building activity.

However, that left the two baristas, Kaleb & Maysa, to handle the onslaught of business. Not unlike many businesses, Sharla’s has experienced some recent staffing challenges. When I entered, I could see that they were facing a challenge that would have daunted many of us, but then I had the privilege of watching them rise to the occasion. As the recital of vocalists and pianists began, Kaleb & Maysa maintained their poise and their customer focus. They worked effectively as a team as their preparation and maturity clearly shown through. They were awesome and I was as proud as if they were my own kids. Many factors go into helping our Milton kids learn and succeed. Clearly their parents and families but also the programs offered by our schools. These two rising Red Hawk high schoolers participate in the School to Career program. This program is too phenomenal and comprehensive to describe in this blog but what a positive for our students and our businesses who participate.

To recap last Saturday:

I saw a local business absolutely packed with customers.

I saw a local business (a music studio) using another local business (Sharla’s) to host a recital. I hope we see more of this. Clearly a Win-Win.

I saw many families being introduced to Sharla’s Coffee Stop because it was the venue for their children’s recital.

I saw two great high schoolers show their maturity & training in effectively handling a challenging business/work situation.

I saw positive effects of our School District’s School to Career program (thank you Amy Kenyon). Opportunity, Achievement, Community!

I got to enjoy a great nitro cold brew with a bit of cream – absolutely delicious.

I’d say it was a positive day.

You can’t find it if you’re not looking for it.

#cruzan4milton