Plus Size Travel: Miami Beach Resort & Spa, Life’s Good.

As I mentioned before, my Miami trip was my first “grown up” vacay. Instead of travelling with family, I was meeting up with girlfriends and I was pretty stoked. (It almost felt like my first time at sleep-away camp as a child.) I was in the LaGuardia Airport waiting for my flight when I passed a sign that simply said, “Life’s Good”.

Sometimes I get so focused on the things that I’m not: I’m not skinny enough, I’m not making enough money, I’m not in a relationship… So, I decided in the moment that “Life’s Good” would be a personal mantra for me during my trip. I needed to remind myself that, in spite of all the things that I’ve yet to accomplish, life really is good.

We decided to stay at the Miami Beach Resort & Spa because that’s where the wedding party was staying. I didn’t put much thought into it, the website looked nice and when I made the reservation over the phone, customer service was really helpful, but I was staying there mostly out of convenience.

I was the first of my girlfriends to arrive and when I checked into our room it was around 2am so it was very dark. I opened the curtains to my room and could see the pool glowing a soft purple but that was about it. I unpacked, took a shower and went to bed not knowing what a gift our room was.

A few hours later the sunlight woke me up and as I rolled over, the view from my window took my breath away. Our floor to ceiling windows were filled completely with the beach and the brilliant blue ocean.

Life is good, I thought to myself with a smile.

Within the hour, my girlfriends all arrived from California, Chicago and North Carolina, respectively. They checked in, we had breakfast in our room and then we threw on our swimsuits and headed downstairs. There was a small path from the pool area straight onto the beach, so we were there in no time and we spent the early afternoon talking, making business calls from the sand and playing in the waves. I’m not sure why laying around on the beach made us so hungry, but after a couple of hours we were ready for lunch (and drinks). We sat at the hotels outdoor cafe and Elida, who became my favorite waitress, brought us yummy sandwiches, quesadillas, chicken fingers (and drinks).

As much as I hate to admit it, my weight is always a nagging issue in the back of my head. I’m so proud of myself for going parasailing and walking around in a swimsuit, but the reality is that for a fleeting moment I considered not taking this trip because Miami is a beach city and I’m no where near my goal weight. But from the time I saw that “Life’s Good” sign, I felt like there were constant reminders that life is meant to be enjoyed, period. There are so many things in this world to experience and if we miss out on them because of how we look… we’re crazy!

Coming up from the beach and lunch, I was looking out my window and I saw a group of young girls huddled together in the kiddie pool. It was such a simple and sweet moment and for me it was a great testament to the range of people, single girls, families, honeymooners… and a Plus Size Princess who were taking a moment to recognize that Life’s Good.

I guess I’m writing this post to encourage my PSP’s to get out and do the things you want to do. Find a way to make it happen! I’m definitely on a budget, but the four of us were able to have a luxurious four day experience at the Miami Beach Resort & Spa with their friendly, attentive staff for about $150 per person (and that includes a few meals charged to the room!)

If there’s something you want to experience, don’t make your weight an excuse not to do it… okay?

Life’s Good!

http:/www.miamibeachresortandspa.com/