The Roller Coaster

T'is the season of the emotional roller coaster. 

I think of a friend who very recently lost the love of her life to cancer.  He fought for years and in the end, she was strong enough to ask for peace for him because she knew he deserved that.  She is feeling lonely, hopeless, hopeful, and hopefully loved.

I think of the children filled with hope and wonder, who sit on Santa's lap to share their dreams of the season.  They are scared, giddy, excited and just a little bit cautious. 

I think of the families gathering together to spend time with each other.  Some of the family members are excited while some are just trying to endure it.  

I also think of those who don't have a place to call home.  Those who see Santa as only a mystical creature who doesn't visit them, much less gives them presents.  I think of the people who have a home, but no one to share it with. 

My emotions have and will continue the roller coaster ride.  I love the Christmas season because I believe in the spirit of hope and love.  I enjoy spending time with family and friends.  I shed tears for those no longer able to celebrate with us.  Hosting a handful of people, I will feel exhausted, accomplished, happy, sad, manic and relaxed...and sometimes all in the span of a few hours. In the end, I will feel blessed and I wish the same for all!  Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and here's to a blessed 2016! 

What Do You Want To Be?

Last week, I attended the Business Travel News Hall of Fame event where someone I consider a friend and mentor was honored and inducted to the Business Travel Hall of Fame.  Congratulations to Mary Bastrentaz for that much deserved honor!  I am proud to say I know you! 

It got me thinking, "What do I want to be when I grow up?"  It also got me thinking, "What does everyone else in this crazy industry aspire to be?"

Personally, I want to be able to leave the industry the same way I got into it, bright eyed and excited about what the industry is becoming.  This isn't a butterfly and gum-drop dream, I really do think the industry is on the verge of making some big steps in the way of technology, service and utilization so that is exciting to me.  Is there a chance that I could leave the industry because it got boring and stale?  Possibly, but based on what I am seeing, not likely.  So, only time will tell, but I estimate being here for years to come. 

I think suppliers aspire to be the best version of themselves.  For instance in hotels, Comfort Inn will never be a Four Seasons, but can they improve and give their guests a great experience, of course!  The IHG/Kimpton merger and the Marriott/Starwood merger is a play to make themselves the better version of themselves.  They want to bring the best of the other brand to add to their success. 

For airlines, Delta has just won their 5th consecutive award for excellence (their one for the thumb moment!)  Great job Delta...but they are not done.  They want to be the best version of themselves and will continue to fight to keep that string alive.  United recently came out and said they want to give their tried and true corporate customers their best and as a result, are putting money where their mouth is!  Not just when it's blue skies and birds chirping, but they want to give their best when it's hard to do that.  Great job United...again, not trying to be someone else, just the best version of themselves! 

I think when I grow up, when I am forced to grow up, I will be Rita Visser!  Might as well as long as she keeps going!