A change of mindset

I am in line at this little cafeteria down the street from my place where I sometimes go to have lunch. It's a no-pretenses place with good traditional food and a different menu every day. The design is inexistent, just a big window with all the food available today and you point at what you want. It's what we here call a "push the tray"( dunno if that's a thing anywhere else ): fair prices, decent food. I find myself lately very often there and mentioning it to my friends.

You know I am a foodie but that is clearly not the reason. While I do enjoy the variety, it's nothing to call home about and I try to eat as much as homecooked food as possible. It's not the prices or the proximity as there are at least 3 more spots similar. The answer is that they have this guy who serves the food that is incredibly likable, almost magical.
He's always smiling and a good cheer. He is a pretty big and has an old school haircut and banters with the regulars.
When he serves you he seems to pay full attention to you and displays a real enjoyment in actually doing his job. It's really a sight. And I always leave a little more cheerful and uplifted.

I honestly started to go there just to see if I can catch him in a bad mood and to study him. How does he do that?
I mean it's surely not the money and it's not easy. Being on foot for hours on end serving the same food again and again is nothing to be really happy about. And he isn't even a young guy, he must be 45 at least so it's not easy on the body either. I find myself fascinated and humbled by this dude every time I go there.

I think about my own work that at times can be repetitive and frustrating. I know that I am in foul mood on some days and curse the fact that I have to do this or that because someone is stupid or ignorant.
Why can't you figure it out by yourself I wonder?!
But then, I come back to the blessings: I get to help people, I get to be in the middle of things, I help improve a cool project with my feedback. Yes, it's difficult at times and it's not all rainbows..but I guess it;'s still better than serving food at a cafeteria from most points of view. Who gives me any right to be anything but grateful and cheerful? I should start the day with a smile, end it with a smile and be super happy and positive between the two.

I try to remember that on my no-complaint month but also whenever I go out to eat. If this guy can, I should be able to do it myself. I should spread the good cheers to my team and create a better environment. I'm sure this guy does.

I tip and make sure to say goodbye when I leave. I am not sure if he heard me, but I am certain he hears it more often than most people in his position. I'm just adding to the pile, and happy to.