This past weekend, I stayed in the beautiful Antlers Hilton overlooking
Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs. I am happy to report that I didn’t think
about Paris Hilton once. Yet, now that I think about it, I wonder if all the
times I stayed at a Hilton Hotel somehow contributing to the making of Paris
Hilton. Perhaps all business travelers should boycott Hilton Hotels during
the time she is in jail to voice displeasure of what she does and how she
leads such a pitiful life of total self indulgence.

Today was the day poor Paris was to start her jail sentence. She surprised
everyone and went two days early (a selfish act to avoid the media circus
that awaited her). I recently read that there was a campaign to save her
from going to jail. Here’s a quote I heard on CNN from one of the fan club
members trying to “help” Paris, “She provides hope for young people around
the world. She provides beauty and glamour for our mundane lives.” It’s a
sad commentary on our world when people hope in someone like Paris or her
rat pack group of friends.

I met some new friends while in Colorado Springs this weekend. They are
friends with disabilities who may represent the US in the Paralympic Games
in Beijing in 2008 or London in 2012. I had the pleasure of speaking to
these inspirational young people at the US Olympic Training Center. It was
truly one of the most amazing experiences of my professional speaking
career. In the days ahead, I will be writing about some of the people I met
there and the impact that they are having on others.

Note to Paris: if you want to help provide hope for young people around the
world, do something with your life. Volunteer to help young people with
disabilities. Or find something else to turn you on and turn your own
miserable life around by helping others. Just do it.

Tim Richardson is an inspirational speaker who speaks
about how giving increases employee morale, lowers employee turnover,
increases customer loyalty and creates higher profits for Fortune 500 companies. He also is a leadership speaker, customer service trainer and sales motivator. For more information go to www.TimRichardson.com