This week, I made a rare trip to another country. One next door: France. I took the new fast TGV train from Zurich, which arrives Paris in just 4.5 hours. Wonderful.
I taxi'd to the hotel, checked in, and by suprise, met a woman I had not seen for years but who I know very well: the former business Jill.
I'd sort of forgotten what she was like. She's charming in a way. Smiles at receptionists and tips drivers.
Like an athelete warming up for the big game, she goes through a routine in her hotel room before high level meetings:
Take little shampoo and conditioner bottles out of the toiletry bag with a razor and place them awaiting action on the edge of the shower. Turn over the glass beside the sink and stack in toothbrush/toothpaste. If there's a second glass, arm it with make-up brushes, mascara and lipstick. Lay out the deodorant (the rest of the cosmetic jars can stay in the bag, but that one you don't want to forget!) Check out the window for how the night can be darkened and how early the sunrise can be enjoyed. Is there a coffee machine? Ah, yes, big sigh of pleasure. And then the protective checks: no visible phone numbers, check the double lock on the door, know where to find the safety exits. Oh, and hang the clothes. Place glasses case beside the bed. Make sure the earplugs are also in it should they be needed. See what's around to read later. There. Ready.
We went downstairs together to the restaurant for a late lunch. I didn't realize that she'd followed me until she started to say she felt tired, stressed and happy for an hour to herself between email, meetings and airplanes. I listened to her for a moment and then responded: "Actually, my friend, I'm not tired. I feel in fact quite healthy. I like the reason I'm here and will use this time to think a little before joining my customer. This lunch gives me a little creative space, but mostly I'm hungry and need food. Simple as that!"
We had a smile and a cup of coffee together. I am glad she was part of my life for what I learned that brought me here. I am also glad she has finally learned to go with the flow and let me try it a new way. What a big change - that after nearly eight years - I can finally now feel so clearly.
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