There use to be a time when I became irritated if I was assigned a hotel room that required that I walk for what seemed like a half of a mile to get to my room or the elevator (had nothing to do with my safety)...Don't even mention having to park in a space that was so far from where I needed to go. That's a thing of the past for me...so I thought. Last week while in Boston, at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel, my new found assessment of my growth was tested. The first room that I was assigned on the Gold Floor was very close to the elevator, friendly staff and the elegant and relaxing sitting area. Shortly after entering my room, the bellman and I picked up an unpleasant odor. The staff apolozied and assigned me to a new room. As I walked down the hall, feeling alone for a moment and very lost, all kinds of thoughts entered my mind. After processing all the negative thoughts and receiving excellent attention and treatment from the staff, I began to feel better. I decided to make this experience a very positive one. I would see this as an opportunity to get some additional exercise.With that, I began to walk with more pep in my step and a big smile on my face. Each trip up the hall, around the corner and down the next hall and back became a pleasure. What felt like isolation disolved completely. Nick, Neal, and Mike saw to that.

 

I enjoyed my fresh fruit and vegetables from the gold floor and found myself combining them with some of the fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds that I brought with me from Atlanta. The smoothies and salads that I made tasted great. I felt like royalty. All of the guests and staff that I met were beautiful.I enjoyed sharing with them my Living Raw and Loving It...The Secret to Great Health, Increased Energy and Vitality booklet that I brought for review by my peers who were also attending the Publishing Books, Memoirs and Other Creative Nonfiction conference. A special plug here... This course is different every year and is under the direction of Julie K. Silver, MD and sponsored by Harvard Medical School - Department of Continuing Education, Harvard MedicalSchool - Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabitation, Spaulding Rehabilitation Hospital Network, Massachusetts General Hospital - Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, and Massachusetts Psychological Association. This is such a friendly and open group of people...All with three things in common, a desire to write, become a published author and make a positive difference.It was great to see so many of the people that I met last year and to make new friends. After observing all the hugging and laughter, I overhead a person who was attending the conference for the first time ask another well known attendee if this was a cult. I choose to think of this as a compliment!

 

Oops! I almost forgot to mention.The fire alarm went off in the wee hour of the morning during my stay and guess where I was???? With a smile on my face, I am happy to say near the emergency exit!!!!!! Mmmm...Yes, walking is good. It gives you time to reflect on life itself. So, whether my walk requires that I go a short or long distance, I will gladly rise to the occasion.We have to take advantage of all opportunities. By the way, all of my slacks were a bit loose by the time I returned to Atlanta.