Growing Forward Personal Growth Services

I awake Friday morning in Miami.  As I start to consider what my day may look like, a sense of excitement pulses through my veins.  I am after-all at the Trump International on Sunny Miami Beach. 

I keep going outside on the balcony and looking at the spectacular turquoise ocean.  Yep…it’s still turquoise even after checking it a dozen times or more. 

It’s quite an amazing view from the 18th floor.  Me, who used to be afraid of heights.  Of course that was before I knew I could fly.  By the way, I’m only on the 18th floor because I chose to ask for what I wanted.  When I was checking in I was quite excited about the thought of waking up to the beautiful ocean so I was clear on my intention.  When I asked if I had a view of the ocean, I was told that I had a room with a view of the bay.  Now I’m quite sure that the view of the bay is great however I wanted the ocean view.

Rita said, “Let me see what I can do.”  I smiled with anticipation.  Was I going to get what I wanted simply because I asked?  Could it be that simple?  Sure enough I ended up with a choice of 3 suites.  I chose the 18th floor and had no idea why the 18th seeing as I’ve always seemed to have an issue with heights.  (Well needless to say that old belief has shifted).  So from having a standard room I am now in spectacular suite with lots of room.  Pretty cool if you ask me.

Because I am here for a mindset retreat, I’m creating the space for myself to engage all the bells and whistles.  Some of you may find this funny however I’m going to share all of it with you because I may very well be a reflection of one of you reading this.

When my shuttle pulled into the hotel, someone offered me their hand to help me step down out of the van.  At first (because I hadn’t allowed for the shift to happen yet), I said” no I’m o.k., I can get down on my own.”  “Oh I’m sure you can but it’s quite high so allow me to assist you.”  I smiled and thought to myself, “This is the beginning of shift in mindset.”  I then proceeded to take his hand and it was quite reassuring.  Then…my bags were whisked away right in front of me.  I turned my head and said, “I can take those myself.”  “Oh I’m sure you could however why not let me take them so you can simply relax and start to enjoy your stay right away?”  “What?….Was Fabienne paying these guys?”    I know she isn’t however I know that she also mindfully chose where she was going to be hosting this incredible retreat.

Usually when I stay in a hotel, I never take advantage of the services that they have to offer…up until now that is.    In fact, I’d almost say that I’m a bit of a hermit when I go away.  I do understand the whole thought of having space and time to myself however I am now ‘growing’ past that and am now ready to engage differently than I have in the past.

Yesterday I took the Admiral Shuttle from the hotel to one of the malls.  Because I am who I am, I started having a conversation with the driver.  What was interesting was just as we were approaching my stop for the shops, he said to me “I’ve heard a few people say that there isn’t a lot to see in this mall.  If I see you sitting here at 1:30 I’ll turn around and pick you back up otherwise you’ll have to stay here till 3:pm.”  I smiled and thanked him seeing that he didn’t have to do that at all.  The shuttle service clearly states that I wouldn’t be picked up till 3.

At 1:pm I made my way back to the shuttle stop and waited for my ride.  He was right.  So I sat and started to read the book that I purchased at an incredible book store at the Bal Harbour Shops.  It was such an incredible space that I easily lots myself in the whole experience for a full hour before choosing a book that called to me.

All these experiences were new for me.  Asking Rita for the view that I wanted, having Anjelo bring my luggage up and fill me in on all the services that the hotel has to offer, allowing for an excursion to the shops and before I forget, Ricile who graciously straightened up my room for me and chatted for a couple of minutes to welcome me and further share about the services and what Miami is like.

All of these incredible people are in the hospitality services because (from what I sensed) they love helping and working with people.  Who am I to not let them do what they are passionate about?  They are all kind and warm hearted people and if I hadn’t of chosen to engage with each of them, I would have never known that.  So in fact, I would be doing not only a dis-service to myself but them as well.  Because I chose to engage differently this time, my world has opened up.

Oh yes…before I forget.  I’ve walked more in the past 24 hours than I’ve walked in months.  I’ve dared to go and explore the surrounding area and today I plan on dipping my toes in the beautiful turquoise ocean.

I’ll keep you posted on my Self discoveries later on.

Amy