My Recent Soapbox Moments – From Mother’s Day to The Los Angeles Times & the USA Today

Wikipedia states that a soapbox is a raised platform on which one stands to make an impromptu speech, often about a political subject.  Well I am not much for politics, but apparently I have been making some impromptu speeches lately and somebody has been listening.

Let’s take a step back and look at where my thoughts were only a few months ago.  Now, we all have opinions and statements that everyone does not agree with but when does that become something more.  After a Mother’s Day fiasco in a crowded chain restaurant with three kids in tow, this Mom (me) was not very happy with a few aspects of our meal.  I decided to grim and bear it, but when the hostess ask me if everything was okay I could not hold my tongue.  With a big smile on my face, I said “Yes, nothing that a comment card can’t take of”!  Well at this moment I was defused and ready for my meal, but my family was in shock!   They said what did you just say?  I was rather amused that Mom could still get a reaction out of them.  They thought was that I was rude, but I saw it as being practical.  Everyone including the hostess could go about their business and enjoy their evening.  I don’t think the hostess even heard me or acknowledged that I had replied to her as she quickly sped by our table.

At this moment I started to wonder if my recent statements were diva moments or me just stating a much formed opinion.  You see not long before the “comment card” incident I was contacted by The LA Times to let them know what my thoughts were on the new Facebook security issues.  I was happy to oblige.  Then only a week later Barbara De Lollis of the USA Today ask me my opinion yet again.  This time the topic was about hotels allowing guests to check in using their IPhones.   Barbara is the author of the famously followed Hotel Check-In feature in the USA Today.  She is my go to person for the final word on all things in the hotel industry.  She always gets the scoop way before I think the top hoteliers even realize others know what they are thinking.

Well after I was quoted in these two major national publications about hot button newsworthy topics, I noticed that the world did not start spinning any faster, lightening did not strike me and my world did not fall apart.  The opposite started happening.  Others were listening to me more and valuing my knowledge on whatever I decided to speak about.   Thinking of that famous line from the movie Fried Green Tomatoes by Evelyn Couch “Face it, girls, I’m older and I have more insurance”, I decided I would change that to more experience.   Also I decided my speeches were not diva moments; I was only stating my opinion.  Then as a wonderful surprise I was named “Tweep of the Week” by Melissa Libby PR’s Atlanta Dish!  I was overcome with the honor!  Then the same day, The Local Dash ask to feature me.

So I decided that we are all allowed on our soapboxes AND yes we are all entitled to our own opinions AND luckily as girls we are allowed to change it.  How many times have you changed the color of your lipstick or nail polish this year? The lesson is don’t be afraid of soapboxes!