Part 3
By now, you’ve likely gathered there was never a dull moment on this winter trip. The Bella Roses had planned almost every minute of the nine-day voyage (well, somewhat)! In retrospect, refining research of places to visit and securing agreement on the full itinerary would have been advantageous.
Recommend creating a daily schedule, post it in a WhatsApp group or other shared electronic spaces. For overnight outings or multi-city travel, pack light and right. Don’t be like the one Bella Rose pulling a suitcase along Champs-Elysees. Extra doses of patience and flexibility are vital. Above all, stick to the plan and the budget.
The Takes. Picture taking has its pros and cons. Capturing the moment then quickly reliving it can bring gratification and stress-relief to many. While we dined at the Moulin Rouge Café in Central London, we had a spectacular view – two models were engrossed in a photo shoot. Both models knew their angles, had adequate lighting, remained relaxed, and maintained good posture. Bella Roses were inspired.
Still, far too often, we spend more time reviewing and critiquing the memory than being in the moment. From waiting in long lines to gain access to the right angle of major landmarks to striking the perfect pose, editing, re-taking, then instantaneously posting to social media accounts – remember to push for balance. Grab moments to take group pictures and celebrate togetherness. With hundreds of photos in stock, Bella Roses seized great memories that are also souvenirs for friends and families.
The Tears. We took some time to pause on February 15th to honor one Bella Rose – it was her birthday. And, yes, we managed to pull off the surprise. The theme was Asian Pakistani, we were donned in silk kimonos. Then, we enjoyed biryani – a crown jewel in Pakistani food. I could still taste the turmeric – the powerful antioxidant for healthy living. But wait, the chef paired the biryani with mint raita (a lovely, spiced yogurt type sauce). Ooh, la la… the taste buds dance again.
When it came to the presentation of gift and tokens of appreciation, all our love poured out and our Bella cried tears of joy, love, sisterhood, and appreciation. “You know full well as I do the value of sisters’ affections; there is nothing like it in this world.”—Charlotte Bronte.
The Telly. Bella Roses enjoyed much needed downtime on a few evenings. Two movies stand put: Girls Trip and The Help. The former taught us that no matter the challenge, we must fight to stay united. Allow everyone’s voice to heard, trust the circle, and recognize that we are not fragile as flowers, but as bombs – taking a card out of Ruth Bader Ginsburg’s book.
The latter taught us of our resilience, hope, and faith despite disappointments or rejection, we are different, kind, smart, and important. I recall, writing notes for the Bella Roses and upon our arrival to the Mercure Hotels in Paris, France, I pulled out the folded notes. One by each selected a folded piece of paper. As they read the note, they burst into laughter.
“You Is Smart, You Is Kind, You Is Important” The Help Movie
Our activities brought us closer together. It gave us a sense of unity and belonging. Given that we’ve known each other for nearly four decades, one Bella can start the sentence and two others can finish it.
Photo Credit: Bella Roses, Girls Trip 2023
Au Revoir. Wait to see where the Bella Roses are off too next.
Richly to your success,
Dr. Simone
About the Author
Simone Arnold is a vice president of product management at a Fortune 500 Company. She is also an alumna and contributor to the Center for Education and Information Technology Research and the Center for Workplace Diversity and Inclusion Research at the University of Phoenix. She researches emotional intelligence, workplace diversity, and statistical procedures and applications for continuous performance development. She holds a Doctor of Management degree in Organizational Leadership from the University of Phoenix. She is Certified Lean Six Sigma Green Belt from PECB. As the Chief Inspiration Officer at MotivEight, LLC, she intentionally affirms to help professionals grow through speaking, training, and mentorship.
