Today I bit the bullet and went downtown – not quite into the heart of SXSW craziness, but close enough. I went down to Book People had the pleasure of hearing and meeting $100 Startup author and world traveler Chris Guillebeau. I’m glad I went.
This morning I found out that the train doesn’t run on Sundays. Even for SXSW which is ridiculous. Do you hear me Austin CapMetro? Ridiculous. Parking down there is absolutely crazy during this event – and the one day I really care to go, the train’s not moving. So I had pretty much decided I wasn’t going to go – really bummed, but decided. Wait, I haven’t really conveyed just how impossible it is to park down there, and it’s not just parking, but the million pedestrians just walking all over and the petty cabs going SOOO SLOW.
But – Then I got a return tweet back from Chris about the event – literally the minute after I deciding I wasn’t going. Just the quickest little note – but at just the right time. It turned the day around. One of those nice little non-random co-incidences…So, THAT changed my mind. And I went. And when I got there (way early – expecting to have to drive around for an hour then end up paying to park wherever I could find) – I was pleasantly surprised by…many open parking spaces! All the businesses make sure to let people know there is NO special event parking at their business, and I got there early enough to beat the crowd for the meetup. So that was great. I had asked my parking angel in advance to keep a spot open for me, or make one available and it was done.
Chris was very warm and personable. He walked around and talked with people before he spoke. And when he spoke it was mostly to share other people’s stories. I liked that. I connected to it. One thing that he said that really stuck out to me was this: Do what makes you feel personally successful. It doesn’t have to be success to other people’s standards. I agree. Sometimes I think we hold ourselves up to everyone else’s standards of success that our own go to the wayside. Other people’s standards get in the way and muddy our waters. It’s important to remember what success looks like to us. When we have a TPSC dinner and I can FEEL the connections happening within myself and the others present, that’s success. Money can’t touch it. And there’s no price for it. When I do a reading, and I see the cogs turning, or I see the words I’m relaying creating “clicks” in the receiver…that’s success on an other-worldly level. Do I get paid? sure. But that’s not the end result I’m seeking foremost. Most of all I’m seeking connection. And not for myself, but for others. So they can create connections, and in turn seek them too.
At the end Chris invited a few people to stand up and tell their stories of living their passion. That also was inspiring. A good storyteller is also a good story sharer. At the end at the signing, we got this pic. I told Chris, laughing, while Elena took our picture, let’s smile like we’re friends. He stopped writing and turned to me and said quietly “We are.” And I believed him. Anyone who can inspire others to step up and out and live their passion – I’m honored to call a friend.
Vampire’s Road Trip: We want to leave a post card saying we were here!
http://flatlinerbooks.wordpress.com/2013/01/29/i-wanna-go/
absolutely – I love your concept and your blog! keep up the nice work!
How long have you “lovingly hounded me about reading that book? And how long have I said I wanted to? Buahaha! Give it to me, girl! I totally identify with how you feel about a couple of things here. First, those connections, instant or long coming, really are what make us friends. It’s not like time alone makes people become friends. I mean, good grief, I’ve known some people for years I have noooo desire to be in the same room with for five seconds :/. This author knows what counts. Yay for him, you and everyone else who crosses his path! Second, personal success… As you know, how to create my cookie business has been a bit of an enigma for me mostly because I’ve never had a business of my own. But there’s more. Although, I get amazing encouragement from people everywhere all the time, “These are the best cookies” “You should have a bakery!” Problem is, the thought of a traditional storefront style bakery is not a good fit for my life right now, maybe ever. Many people think I’m crazy not to go this route because *they* see it as a huge success. *I* see it as an insanity maker! But, still, people love my cookies, and I love making people smile with cookies. There’s my building block of success. My mind churns daily for the perfect recipe (hehe) for my non-traditional bakery. Don’t get me wrong, I always listen to what others have to offer. With the wisdom of those who believe in me and my inner wisdom I take a step on the path the universe unfolds before me. No, I don’t know what’s at the end. Who ever does? People make plans all the time that turn out completely different than what they had in mind. What I am confident about is that the universe, God or whatever label you wish to call our loving source, knows the best way for us to go through life achieving what’s most important. Psssh, I may have the most kick-ass bakery in the history of the world or I may never have a bakery at all! Still I remain totally peaceful knowing the universally charged path is the path to the best life. So…. Here I go… Let’s see what happens! TTFN, Love!
Minutes after posting this one of my favorite songs came to mind. “Only Time” by Enya. If you wish, search “YouTube for Enya Only Time official video”. It is a great reflection of how I feel regarding my journey, bakery and all.
ahh, one of those little validations that you are on the right track. Love how music can do that. a Non-Random Co-Incidence! LOVE IT!
Yes, You are going to love this book. For me it was a GAMECHANGER. It sings to the non-traditional heart. Chris has such a way of making you feel like, HEY, if all these people did this, I can to. And he gives you so many stories that you can relate to, and see your own story in. Any business I’ve ever done doesn’t fit into any specific category – which created such frustration for me. But reading the $100 Startup showed me so many other people were in this same position, and made it work FOR them, not against. It’s truely inspiring. One of my all time favorite books. Even if I didn’t own a business – it speaks to the passion in all of us.
Yeah! So glad you were there — sorry about the train but I’m glad you made the trek. 🙂
Hey Chris,
Being there RE-Insprired me. Spring break is supposed to be for chilling out but I woke up today and hit the ground running. And being in that “Passion Mode” attracted just that, calendar is filling up with “work/passion” I love it. Thanks for doing what you do – your work is so important on so many levels. Oh, and sorry to hear about the crappy manhattans – we’ll have to find you a decent one next time you’re in town. 🙂 Much love and safe and happy travels my friend.