I didn’t know I would have so much to say about bathrooms.
I’m reminded of a layover I had once at the Charlotte, NC, airport. A few women with Jamaican accents were cleaning the bathroom, and as travelers entered, the cleaning staff would call out, “Ladies! Come on in! Join the party!” I don’t know if any music was actually playing, but in my memory, I hear bubbling Caribbean rhythms in the background because of the atmosphere these women had created. As travelers washed up and left, the staff would bid, “Enjoy your flight!” and say “Thank you, ladies” Forget customer service- when was the last time you received a welcome like that? When was the last time you gave someone else a welcome, a goodbye, or a thank you with much enthusiasm? It’s so inspiring to see people who make an art of their work, who love their work, who lift others up through their work. Let me reiterate that these women were cleaning the bathroom. If they can bring that kind of joy to others, what’s my excuse?
I love how these women took a leadership role and claimed the bathroom as their territory. They made it their job to not just to scrub and mop, but to revitalize all the weary souls who entered. It’s really inspiring to see people in action who have their priorities in order.