Just returned from a business trip to Austin, TX where I had an opportunity to visit one of the largest and most popular independent bookstores in the country, Book People (http://www.bookpeople.com/).

I am not an ‘adventurer’ at heart. But, I have been pushing my personal boundaries in recent months and exploring both myself and the world.

The hotel staff recommended that even though the famous bookstore was only a mile away, an easy walk, it wasn’t the safest and recommended I take a taxi.

I am not a city girl. But, I faced my fear and hopped in a taxi for the ride downtown. I was feeling very confident and a little full of myself thinking this is easy, that is until my taxi driver told me he would not return to pick me up and gave me a little yellow slip of paper to call another taxi to return to the hotel.

Standing in the bookstore I had dreamed of visiting for over a year, I had a full blown anxiety attack. At least I have been practicing focused breathing or I would have probably had a heart attack. It also helped that I overheard someone say there was a Whole Foods (http://www.wholefoodsmarket.com/) store nearby. A store I enjoy visiting and absorbing the  atmosphere of the local community combined with the founder, John Mackey’s special mission of providing whole, natural, organic foods that support a sustainable world.

Once I calmed down enough I spent over an hour just soaking up the eclectic atmosphere of books, crafts, and art. It didn’t feel like Texas. No cowboy boots or hats. No southern drawls. Just a store and staff that strive to represent freedom, beauty and truth.

I found a book I had been looking for, “The Millionaire Course” by Marc Allen.  Marc Allen is the founder of New World Library, one of the largest independent publishers in the world (http://www.newworldlibrary.com/) and a man who takes a very spiritual approach to life and business.

After talking to a few staff members and expressing my appreciation for Book People, I walked across the street to explore the Whole Foods Store.

Again, it was hard to believe I was in Texas. (I have been to Dallas and San Antonio which both very much reflect the traditional Texas persona.)

Organic fruits and vegetables; Handcrafted jewelry from around the world; Six aisles of domestic and imported wines and a whole section of eco-friendly (organic and grown using sustainable agriculture) wines; Vegetarian and vegan soups…I was in heaven. I selected a organic Pinot Noir, a bowl of potato soup, some fresh berries, crackers and a cheese I cannot spell or pronounce.

Now I just had to get a taxi to pick me up. By now I was starting to get a little panicky again. If you knew me, you would know I have a very active imagination and what seemed like a thousand scenarios ran through my head, none good. The yellow cab dispatcher took pity on me and spoke slowly and deliberately promising me they would arrive in the next twenty minutes.

I sat outside in the sweltering humidity, practicing my deep breathing and waiting. Needless to say I worried for nothing. My taxi showed up in less than twenty minutes like a knight in shining armor appearing on the horizon.

So what does this long winded tail have to do with self-publishing or my idea for my book “Where are all the bookstores?”

I am changing my focus. I want to help people expand their world and live their dreams. We can explore and walk the path together.

So, as I expand on this idea and get my website up, I hope you will send me your feedback, and your story of self-discovery and every day courage.

AWAI’s Copywriting Bootcamp and Gary and Merri’s Scott Self-Publishing Seminar have changed my life forever and I hope it is done the same for you.