Because this gratitude post will be the longest I’ve ever written, I’ve decided to break it up into two parts with the second being aired over the weekend. I know I risk missing some of you because of the weekend, but I’ll take my chances.

The longer I stay connected in the world of blogging, the more I see other writers, bloggers, speakers, authors and business leaders finding ways of expressing their gratitude. It seems like an exploding phenomena. And that, my friends, is a very good thing - the more the collective consciousness expresses gratitude, the higher all of us are lifted from a cosmic standpoint. It increases the overall energy, bringing much needed positive light to the world.

Having said that, it’s with pleasure to begin yet another gratitude post this week. It’s fast becoming one of my favorite posts at Adversity University. I’m so focused on finding what’s right in life, I can’t help but be lifted up.

This week’s gratitude post is all about my experience with the SOBCon08 event in Chicago. For those who weren’t there, you certainly missed out on a fabulous event. If you’re a blogger or want to be one, I hope you’ll seriously consider going next year.

As I mentioned earlier, this is the first part of two with the weekly gratitude post. To keep things interesting, I’ve added several photos for your enjoyment.

Gratitude #1: Southwest Airlines On Time

Southwest landed right on time at Midway Airport, even a few minutes earlier. Not that anyone was waiting for me by the luggage carousel with a VIP sign saying “Stephen Hopson” but at least I arrived early.

The on-time arrival got me off to a great start!

(Photo Credit: SteelDreams)

Gratitude #2: Dunkin Donuts Right Where I Needed Them

After disembarking, I managed to find my way to the Orange subway line that would take me to downtown Chicago. The considerable walk to the train station took me through long narrow hallways and down a couple of stairs. The city of Chicago was thoughtful enough to post easy-to-follow signs so that clueless travelers like myself could find their way. (Photo credit: Ericinchicago312)

When I arrived at the entry point, I was surprised to discover a group of people congregating around a cluster of vending machines in the center. They all appeared to be getting themselves a ticket.

Puzzled, I looked closer. The vending machines were taking singles - I only had twenties. I went up to the toll booth clerk near the turnstiles, fully expecting to buy myself a couple of tokens like I used to do while I was living in New York City during the 80’s and 90’s.

Imagine my surprise when the bored clerk informed me that they didn’t have tokens but rather tickets that were purchased through the vending machines I had seen earlier.

“But madam, I don’t have change,” I said, somewhat concerned.

“Well, you could always buy yourself something at Dunkin Donuts right behind you,” she scowled. She went back to reading the tabloids.

The mere mention of Dunkin Donuts made me realize I was famished - I hadn’t eaten anything since 5 am that morning.

Perfect, Now I can get my favorite muffin (cranberry orange) and break a twenty.

Finding myself a seat on the train, I was immediately transported back to my New York City days. For 16 years, I rode the subway similiar to the one I was now sitting in. Everything about the 30 minute train ride to downtown Chicago felt strangely familiar. It was fascinating to once again observe throngs of multi-cultural people getting on and off in clusters. I could see that New York wasn’t the only melting pot in the United States.

Finally arriving at the next-to-last stop (State Street), I ambled down the steep stairs to the streets below and stood on the corner, wondering which way to go. While contemplating the next course of action, I hurriedly ate the cranberry orange muffin, making quite a mess with all the crumbles tumbling down my shirt.

That’s when I spotted him.

Gratitude #4: Kindness of a Stranger

Standing on the corner was a harmless looking man in a casual business outfit who was preoccupied with his Blackberry, probably sending someone a text message.

“Excuse me sir, could you give me directions to the Club Quarters Hotel on Wacker and Michigan? I just got off the train from Midway and am a little lost.”

The kindly man around my age (late 40s) was about to give me directions when he had a change of heart.

“Come on, I’ll walk you to the hotel, it’s not far.”

“Oh Wow, really? Thanks!” I was thrown for a loop since I certainly did not expect this!

On our way there, I learned that he was a software engineer who worked for some big corporation not far from where we were. When asked why I was in Chicago, I told him that I was attending a blogging conference. This was followed by the usual “What do you do” questions and answers (I told him that I was a former stockbroker turned inspirational speaker and pilot). That inevitably led to questions that I love answering because it almost always surprises everyone I meet.

“How can a deaf pilot fly without using the radio?” the man said.

I love watching people raise an eyebrow or two with that one. Wink, wink. It gets them everytime.

Well, whoever you were Mr. Stranger, I am forever indebted for your extraordinary kindness on my first day in the Windy City. I’m glad I was led to ask you for directions!

I’m also thankful towards whoever invented luggage on wheels!

Gratitude #5: Hotel Check-In

Glancing at my watch, I knew I had arrived several hours before the normal check-in time. I figured I would have to store my luggage until it was time to claim my room at the Club Quarters Hotel.

But that’s not what happened.

Apparently God was having too much fun with me that day.

I was on a roll.

Approaching the front desk, I said, “Hellooooooo, I know I’m VERY EARLY but I have a reservation under the name of Stephen Hopson.”

“How do you spell your last name sir?”

A few seconds later I was hit with yet another divine surprise.

“Mr. Hopson, your room is ready now.”

“Whaaaaaat? Right now?!?!” I exclaimed.

Double checking the reservations computer, she looked up and smiled like an angel, “Yes, sir it is.”

While it would have not been a problem to stow my luggage in the storage room, I was indeed very grateful that I was able to settle in early, unpack and take a much needed shower. (Photo Taken from the 17th floor of my hotel room).

Gratitude #6: First Contact from SOBCon08

The day before I left for Chicago, I spent considerable time scouring the list of registered SOBCon08 attendees in hopes of finding someone, ANYONE, I could hang out with before the conference started. I didn’t want to spend my first day in Chicago without at least making a meaningful connection. After all, the whole purpose of going was to connect and make new friends. Why not hit the ground running on my first day?

A series of emails and phone calls led me to Joanna Young, a blogger from Scotland, who was already there. Arrangements were made to meet up for lunch on the afternoon of my arrival (Thursday, May 1). She would be my first SOBCon08 contact.

For three hours, I killed time by grabbing a cuppa coffee at Starbucks and walking several blocks up and down Michigan Avenue, taking pictures along the way.

When 1 pm rolled around, it was time to meet Joanna. We agreed to meet at an architectural store on Michigan Avenue where a neighborhood group tour that she signed up for would begin and end. I was right on time, even a few minutes early, but there was no sign of another person who “appeared to be looking for someone.”

You know how it is - you’re not quite sure who you’re looking for but you lookaround, hoping to spot the person you’re supposed to meet. Sort of like a blind date or something except that this wasn’t!

Even though I had seen a picture of Joanna online previously, I knew that because most people didn’t look like their photos, she probably didn’t either.

I was talking to a salesman inside the store when a lady with reddish hair appeared to be checking us out. She was trying her hardest to be discreet. She kept walking past me, feigning interest in the store’s merchandise, her eyes on me when I wasn’t looking. Because of her body language, I was almost certain it was her.

“Are you Joanna?” I finally called out to her.

She turned around and smiled, obviously relieved.

“Yes.”

Shaking my hand, she excitedly said, “It’s so nice to finally meet you!”

Her accent was apparent. I wondered if I was going to have a hard time understanding her. But I need not have worried.

We ended up having lunch at Aun bon Pain, a few blocks away. It used to be one of my favorite places in New York. I often ordered their Chicken Caesar sandwich and wondered if the Chicago location still carried it.

They did.

The only thing they did differently was that we had to fill out an order form and hand it to the person behind the counter. That made me wonder if they were doing this because of deaf and hard of hearing employees working there. That would have been the perfect solution for them however upon closer observation, the employees did not seem to be hearing impaired. Oh well.

At any rate, I’m grateful I had someone to spend some time with before the conference got underway, not to mention eating that delicious Chicken Caesar sandwich. Despite her Scottish accent, I had no trouble oncesoever lip-reading her! How’s that for another miracle?

Gratitude #7: Fitting In

Have you ever been invited to a party where you knew no one and you weren’t sure whether or not you’d fit in? Despite having met Joanna earlier that day and knowing she’d be there, I was a little teeny weeny apprehensive when i arrived at the first informal meet-up event at the Bella restaurant (Club Quarters Hotel on Wacker).

Well, once again, the universe had everything neatly planned out for me.

Liz Strauss and Terry Starbucker, the organizers of the event, were the first to greet me. And greet me they did - they acted like I was their long lost friend, practically hugging me to death. I knew right then and there I would be okay.

Terry and I immediately launched into a very interesting conversation that lasted almost thirty minutes. Then I introduced myself to the other early birds who were on hand. I ended up making a solid connection with each and further strengthening a great start to the beginning of my SOBCon08 experience.

First row, left to right: Ruth Marie Sylte and Joanna Young.

Second row, left to right Michael Martine, me, Terry Starbucker, Liz Strauss, Vicky H, Joe Hauckes and Chris Garrett.

Shortly after this picture was taken, two very enthuasitic people arrived to the party. I would end up becoming very close to them.

Stay tuned for more……..

Food for thought: Tell me what gratitude means to you. I’d love to hear your version.

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