The Happiest Place on Earth

Today marks my third day at Coronado Springs Hotel in Disneyworld, Orlando. I came for the Thursday-Saturday Women in Aviation International Annual Conference. And I came a day early to enjoy a little Florida sun, which has remained shy at showing its face. My sole regret, however, is that my baggage decided to take the long way here, only just arriving today, and leaving me for two days with yoga pants, a jean jacket, and no makeup. Lovely. But I try to look at the bright side - I was forced to obtain some new duds at the outlet mall yesterday, so as to be ready for today's presentation.

Speaking of the bright side, I asked the gift store attendant if everyone here got special training to be smiley and friendly. He said no, it was just expected. And isn't that a wonderful thing? Although I have
occasionally scoffed at Disney properties for their facade of life as a clean, happy, whistling-a-tune-as-I-go kind of place, I rather like the concept. For a while anyway. I am not suggesting that we all go around with foolish grins or Pollyanna attitudes, but imagine how we could alter our realities if we each made a little more effort to be friendly, attentive, kind, and considerate.I don't think it would take away the raw edge of life, but it might blunt it a little bit.

This picture is of me (in my baggage-lost-had-to-buy-it new dress) and new friend, Kathy, from Connecticut. Kathy is a flight instructor and aspiring writer. We talked about flying, airplanes, writing, dreaming, universal guidance, and life philosophy both before and after my speech. She is such a nice person, she almost puts Disney employees to shame. At 26, she's already conquered so much of the world, and with a smile.

Best part of my job, as author and speaker: 
The awesome people I meet.

xo, Cate