I Made A Withdrawal Today
I went to the market with limited funds, so I knew I was going to ask people if I could pay them next week.
Everyone I asked said yes.
From the husband and wife who farm together, I got greens, herbs, and green beans. From the woman who travels a far distance to come to the market, I got pesto and chocolate milk that she makes from dates, coconut, cacao, and local vanilla. From the farmer who’s only there once in a while, I got his ulu, fresh coconut milk, and dried bananas. (I think his dried bananas are the best at the market.) The woman who brews mamaki tea gave me tea as a gift.
I walked home with two canvas bags full of food that I hadn’t paid for.
I believe today happened because I’ve been a regular, reliable customer for years, I always pay my debts, and I always return reusable jars.
While I was at the market, I gave two dollars to a man who was two dollars short for what he wanted. He said, “I’ll pay it forward.” I smiled and said, “always.”
This same man pulled over and offered me a ride while I was walking with my canvas bags full of food. The ride was not necessary because I was at my driveway, but we had a brief conversation. He told me about a project he’s been working on. It’s about taking intentional time to build your bank in your community.
I’ve been making deposits at the farmers market for years. I show up almost every Friday no matter how much I have to circulate. I have conversations with people and listen with curiosity. I smile, wave, and pick up trash. I help people take down their tents and pack their things up at the end of the market. And I pay people back when they allow me to take their product without paying them first. Today I made a withdrawal, and that withdrawal was two canvas bags of food from people who trust me to keep my word.
For much of my life I’ve been so afraid of people not liking me that I couldn’t see the rapport, the relationships, being built.
I love that I am trusting other people, and that I asked to be trusted.
Stacy 🌺
https://youtube.com/shorts/CXNdSEtfoAA?feature=share
I share my experiences and my perspective. Eating and healing look different for everyone. If you are struggling with food or your relationship with your body, please find support. You don’t have to do this alone.