Going The Extra Mile

After a long weekend at the lake with friends, I woke up stiff and tight with knots in my back. I worked all day and kept thinking I should get a massage somewhere after work. Still being away from home, I decided to do a little research on spa’s in the area. To my dismay, all the salons I found were going to be closed by the time I was able to get there. I began to feel like it just wasn’t meant to be.

I then remembered a resort hotel that was nearby. I gave them a call, and, miraculously, they had an opening at 6 p.m. I happily took the appointment. The lady on the phone told me to make sure I got there early, so I could enjoy the steam room and other amenities prior to them closing at 7 p.m. I thought that was pretty nice, so I got there early. When I arrived, I was kindly directed to the changing area where I was able to change into a robe. The receptionist waited for me outside the bathroom, then led me to the steam room. She told me that if I wasn’t out in 20 minutes, she was going to check on me because you didn't want me to be in there too long. I thought it was pretty kind that she was concerned about my well-being in the steam room. After my steam, she guided me to the relaxation room, where they had an assortment of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, and heat wraps. The room’s lights were dimmed, and I was offered a seat in a very comfortable, heated massage chair. She gave me all of these different options to choose from while I sat and waited for my massage. I relaxed back into the chair, turned on the massage setting, closed my eyes, and felt the warmth radiating from the heat wrap into my neck and body. I was instantly at ease. After a few minutes, the massage therapist came out and kindly led me to the massage room. Let me tell you, that was the most amazing massage I have ever had in my life. The personalized and attentive care provided by the resort staff was so appreciated. The experience was above and beyond my expectations. 

I’ve had plenty of massages in my life, but the customer service at any of those other appointments cannot compare to this one. Not only did the receptionist go the extra mile by inviting me to come early and enjoy the amenities, but the massage therapist truly worked out the kinks and knots in my back, took time to listen to my concerns, and helped the areas of my body that were hurting. While I was laying on the table, I was thinking about how incredible this experience was. I've been to some pretty nice hotels and resorts, but they've never gone the extra mile like this. It made me think about whether or not I go the extra mile for people. Do I go the extra mile at work for my students and their families? I would like to think I do, but I will definitely be more cognizant of the service I provide to my students and families. I will continue to reflect on this incredibly revitalizing experience, and I’m going to pass that great service forward to my students and their families. Who would have thought a massage at a lake resort could be such an enlightening experience?

What I have learned: Going the extra mile by treating others with extreme kindness and generosity can make a world of difference. 



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