Recently, I decided to reward myself with a massage.  I was psyched.  I knew the spa owners and they were just opening their new facility.

I arrived early to get a tour.  Opening the front door I began to relax as I smelled “spa”.  You know what I mean-the calming scents of eucalyptus, verbena and lavender.  These smells combined with soothing music and natural sounds and textures send me somewhere other than where I am.  I was anxious to see the facilities.

All  of a sudden my sensory reverie was robbed, stolen as I entered the hallway.  Someone was eating CHINESE FOOD. Not only were they eating it, they were walking down the hall eating it.  YUCK.  Mood gone, soothing smells gone.  Music no longer important.

Don’t get me wrong, I love Chinese food!  What I don’t like is the smell of soy and lo mien at my spa appointment.  You see, scents matter…..EVERYTHING matters when it comes to establishing and maintaining a consistent image.

On the surface it would appear that everything was right on.  The right ads had been placed, the best magazines exposure was paid for.  The music was set, the walls were painted a soothing color.  From the “outside” (first impressions) everything was great!

I will never ever go back into that spa without first remembering my sensory experience there.  Consistency matters when creating AND maintaining a relationship with anyone or anything.

Next time you are wondering whether or not it is “OK” to eat at your desk or even what to eat for lunch…THINK…think about scents you may leave behind.  Think about who you will be meeting and whether or not the residue of lunch will be on your body.

By all means, if you are going to eat something at your desk that has residual odor, please, please take it to an outside waste can to throw it out.  Spare your cubicle mates the misery of your lunch.

By the way, the massage was good, but do me a favor next time…..please THINK!

“Look Good, Feel Great and Have FUN Doing It!”