You Forgot About Me

The other day after a call back audition (I won’t say what until I get it) I was in a part of town I don’t normally get to. I had somethings to catch up on the computer and was going to work on revising a few chapters of the book, that I decided to stop into a coffee shop in the area.

I was wanting coffee, but have been noticing my body feeling the jitters a lot sooner, even after a few sips, that I told myself I need a break from it. Let’s try some matcha. I’ve had pretty good experiences with matcha, we’ll go with that.

After standing in line, I decided to go with the drink named after Liz. Matcha, Oak milk, lavendar and vanilla syrup, and iced for today’s sunny hot day. There seemed to be a few customers waiting ahead of me, that I had a feeling it might take a little bit. Not a problem, I’ll go use the restroom first.

When I got out, my name wasn’t called yet, so I thought I’d go sit down and get my workspace set up at a table. Once that was done, I went back up to the counter, I noticed the two ladies before me had ordered three drinks, one similar to mine, only it wasn’t the Liz. They also got some food to go. A few seconds later, they got their order and left.

That’s when I started to have that feeling, “Did they forget about me?”

Nah, how could they? It was only a few of us waiting, right? That’s when I now notice the guy that was standing behind me, getting his coffee. He’s all smiles as he goes to sit down somewhere.

I see them now making something at the expresso machine, but I also see the customer, a new one, also waiting. That’s not oatmilk, that looks like a big jug of 2% whole milk. Not mine. No one is making matcha. “Yep, they definitely forgot about me.” It’s now time to say something to someone. I let one of the staff know and she apologizes to me for the inconvenience. “No problem.” I respond back to her. “What type of pastry would you like?” At first I don’t hear her. “What’s that?” She repeats herself. “What type of pastrry would you like?” I meet her up by the pastries and tell her “I’ll take a chocolate croissant!” “Heated?” she asks. “Sure!” She tells me, “I’ll let you know when it’s ready!”

Again, I go to sit back down and start my work.

After awhile passes, there is no response from anyone. Oh no, “Did they forget about me AGAIN?” I go back up to the counter. I’m laughing both inside and out now. “I think you forgot about me again…I can only eat so many pastries…” I sarcastically comment to her.

I knew she felt bad and a bit embarrassed. “No problem, it’s okay.” I tell her as she hands me my somewhat warm chocolate croissant on a plastic plate.

So why share about this encounter?

There is something about feeling left out. Something about feeling a sense of rejection. Because the reality was I wasn’t upset, not at all. I was a little disappointed, but given my schedule for the day, it really wasn’t a big inconvenience for me. But the thing was, even so, as I stood there, unassuming everything, as I watched everyone get their order and leave, I was left waiting and wondering…what about me?

It was unexpected and I don’t take what happened personally, yet, inside I felt something.

How often do we have moments where these feelings show up for us? How often do we feel left out? It’s as though, everyone is on their own agenda, and you are not a part of it. I mean even for those brief moments, I felt forgotten.

I know it’s just coffee or in my case matcha. But I thought, this is interesting. What areas in your life do you feel alone, abandoned, or left out? And hopefully, despite having these feelings, you also are able to notice those areas where you feel included and aren’t forgotten.

I’ve had situations and moments feeling like this come up. It’s a good practice. When you feel left out, are you able to still have the confidence, the courage, to stay grounded and find your way, even if you have do it alone. Because truly we are never alone, just have to speak up for ourselves.

What would have happened if I didn’t say anything? Would anyone have noticed? And how long would it have taken before someone did?

I encourage you. I employ you, speak up, don’t be quiet, let others know what you need. There just might be someone who wants to help you out.

By the way, I should mention, it was a kind gesture by the staff to gift me the pastrie. That small act of kindness, after a mistake or misunderstanding did make me feel a little better. When I finally got to it, both the drink and crossiant were great.

Thank you to the team at Mugshots Coffee Company in Bloomington.

Since we are on the topic of matcha today. I thought I’d share this silly fun photo taken with some colleagues from Century College’s TRIO Upward Bound summer program, while in Chinatown in Chicago we tried out this well known local matcha tea shop HEYTEA!

It was delish! I’d go back, next time.

This isn’t the first and won’t be my last share. Had a great conversation with Tina and Yifat hosts of this podcast about finding success your own way.

Link to the full episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lPCOn8aNLhc&t=1753s