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Happiness Has Commercial Value

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I was surprised when I opened the cable bill and noticed the cost increased significantly.  Knowing that I hadn’t added any additional service, I searched for the discrepancy.  The monthly cable billing statement being so full of itemized costs, discounts, fees, and options, it was impossible for me to find where the increase was added.  My frustration rose thinking about having to call customer service, anticipating the touch-tone maze I’d have to circumvent in order to speak with a representative who could assist me.  I persevered and made the call.

I fought my way through the gatekeepers of automated multiple-choice questions, responding by voice as directed.  Each time I spoke my answer, the computer generated female voice stated, “I’m sorry, we couldn’t identify your response. You may use the keypad on your touch-tone phone …” So one by one I continued, first by voice, then using the keypad.  I finally did get to speak to a representative who, judging by the tone in her voice, wasn’t enthusiastic to be of service.  When she asked for all my information, I said, “No problem, since I just spent ten minutes giving it to the automated system it’s fresh in my head. . .”  After repeating all my personal information to her and stating the reason for my call she informed me that she couldn’t assist me and would need to transfer my call to another department.

As the music played while I was on hold I couldn’t deny what was happening any longer.  It was obvious to me that I went into this with a head full of steam and now I was experiencing my frustration being reflected back to me as my experience.  As within, so without. 

I decided it would be best to simply hang up and try again at another time.  I'd call when I felt free from concern and with the more positive attitude that everyone is helpful.  Although reason gave an objection, “You’re going to quit now, after all that work?”  I still hung up the phone.

Sometime later while in a much better mood the inspiration came to make the call.  This time I called in a spirit of good will and free from my previous mental resistance.  It was like waving a magic wand over the situation.  This time I breezed through the voice automated system and was greeted by a very pleasant customer service representative.  Without hesitation he explained the reason for the increase.  Then went to work on my behalf to get my monthly costs restored to my previous subscription rate.  It kept getting better.  He found a way to bring my bill down a few dollars below what I had originally been paying each month.  Then he discovered that I was also eligible to receive a $150.00 cash card.  I thanked him and made sure I had is full name correct.  Grateful, I was eager to submit an outstanding review, which I later enjoyed doing as well.

No matter how many times I experience positive results from stepping out boldly, the bold step from fearful thinking to faithful thinking, I am always in awe and amazed at the better than expected results.

“Resentment and intolerance rob man of his power.   . . . Let us now be careful in directing this dynamic force within us.  Let us direct it to heal, bless and prosper and direct in waves of good to the whole world.  It goes out a mighty force, but noiseless!  Thought, the strongest power in the Universe is without sound.  Your good will sweeps all obstacles from your pathway and your heart’s desire is released for you.  . . . for everything comes through you – not to you.  All life is vibration.”  –Florence Scovel Shinn, The Power of The Spoken Word.