Valerie’s Happy Bathroom

Right now, I’m in my “happy place.” I’m sitting on my bed with my two dogs nestled beside me. Dixie, my 10-year-old beagle, is stretched out on the pillow and Maggie, my three-year-old beagle, is lying by my feet. My bedroom is my happy place. I love to sleep and cuddle with my dogs. This is also where I write. Perched against several pillows, coffee in hand is where I feel most comfortable. My beside table is filled with all the comforts of home: a rock salt lamp that has a soothing glow, books of the moment, a picture of my fiance and I on Edisto, along with a jar of Dr. Weil’s Bedtime Face Cream.

However, I don’t always get to go to my “happy place.” I travel at least two times a month for my job, so I often find myself in a foreign city, crummy hotel room, or waiting in an airport. I have had to learn to carve out routines and happy places on the road. Being able to find comfort in these routines makes travel a more enjoyable experience. When I’m on the road, buying trashy magazines in the airport, ordering room service, and watching a movie in my hotel room are all things I do to create my “happy place” on the road. But sometimes, a space is created for you quite unexpectedly. It is learning to appreciate these moments in life, these gems offered up by strangers, that make life so sweet.

Last week, I was traveling from Providence, Rhode Island to Myrtle Beach, S.C. My flight was at 7 a.m., which meant I had to get up pretty early to get to the airport on time. I was tired and a bit road weary. My layover was in the Charlotte-Douglas Airport, an airport I frequent monthly. As I made my way to the gate, I stopped off to use the bathroom.

As soon as I entered the bathroom, I heard a woman saying, “Welcome to Valerie’s Happy Bathroom!” in a sing-song voice. The voice was so warm, friendly, and genuine, I could tell she meant it. I realized it was the bathroom attendant who was welcoming each grumpy, tired traveler who entered. She pointed out a stall and lead me to it. All the while, Valerie is saying things like “the day is what you make it,” “you never know when someone needs a smile,” and the “welcome to Valerie’s Happy Bathroom” thrown in every 30 seconds or so. I actually started to smile to myself. I heard several fellow travelers thank Valerie. Her genuine energy and enthusiasm was actually changing the energy in that room. Ill-tempered and cranky passengers were leaving Valerie’s Happy Bathroom happier. At one point, I hear Valerie exclaim, “I love my job!” When I left, I thanked Valerie and told her that she made my day.

As I walked away with a little extra pep in my step, I found myself wanting to pass on Valerie’s pure joy to the people around me. Some people might think Valerie’s job as bathroom attendant at a busy airport might not have the ability to impact people’s lives. But, as Valerie said, life is what you make it. I have traveled through that airport hundreds of times, and Valerie, in less than five minutes, made a greater impact on me than any other person I have EVER encountered. In fact, Valerie made more of an impact on me than any person I encountered on my trip the entire week.

On Friday after I visited Valerie’s Happy Bathroom, I went on to share my experience with my friends and family. I guarantee Valerie touches the lives of her patrons every day. In my opinion, Valerie is the difference. So from now on, my “happy place” when traveling is Valerie’s Happy Bathroom in the Charlotte-Douglas Airport. Valerie taught me a valuable lesson that day. Your “happy place” doesn’t have to just be a place in your home. It can be a place in your heart that you carry with you and share with the people you meet every day. Thank you, Valerie.