When I was 10 years old, my family moved an hour away to a different part of Los Angeles. 

We were still in the same city, technically. But as far as 10-year-old Alex was concerned, it felt like we had moved to another country. 

All my life, up until that point, I had lived right next door to my best friend in the whole wide world, Ally. We were born just 15 days apart. Inseparable. Practically twins. But now, I was in a different house, Ally was far away, and everything felt unfamiliar. 

I was the "new kid" at a new school—and I didn't like it. 

At first, I had a difficult time adjusting to my new surroundings. Overwhelmed by all the new faces. Awkward, uncomfortable in my own skin, like my body didn't fit quite right anymore. 

That's when I met Barbara Metzenbaum. The school librarian. 

During recess and lunch, while other kids shouted and played outside in the blazing California heat, I made a beeline for the library. 

In the library, it was quiet, cool, and peaceful.  

There were zillions of books on the shelves, from Goosebumps to The Baby-Sitters Club to The Boxcar Children and everything by Judy Blume. 

Ms. Metzenbaum greeted me with a smile and recommended books she thought I'd like. I'd sprawl on the carpet, listening to the low hum of the air conditioning unit, devouring books until the bell rang.

As an introverted kid with bad vision, big glasses, and severe asthma, the library was my sanctuary. A place to recharge. 

Ms. M always made me feel welcome. She never said, "Why aren't you playing with the other kids?" She seemed to understand that I needed a break from all the commotion. In her library, it was perfectly okay to be me.

It's partly because of her influence that I developed a lifelong love of books ... majored in English Literature ... pursued a career in writing ... became an award-winning editor and published author ... started an online course that has helped 1,000 people to write a book ... and co-founded a bookstore. Her presence—along with encouragement from my parents, teachers, and mentors—helped to awaken these sparks in me.

Dear Ms. Metzenbaum: Thank you. 

And to all the Ms. M's of the world: Thank you for the imprint you leave on so many lives. It is bigger than you know.

-Alex

PS. Who is a "Ms. Metzenbaum" in your own life? A teacher, coach, mentor, family member, or friend who has made a positive difference? Send them a thank you note. If you can't get ahold of them, send your thanks out into the Universe. You might inspire someone else to do the same.

PPS. I love listening to mellow piano music when I'm working. This moody, atmospheric piano and violin playlist is so good, too.

PPPS. Do you have plans on October 15, 16, and 17? I'm hosting a 3-day Virtual Writing Retreat. 

Come work on your book, article, newsletter, business plan, or another project that you want to focus on. Think: 3-day writing sprint. Focus, dive in, and make big progress!

Enjoy coworking time to get things done, inspiring talks that will plant new ideas in your mind, and connections with wonderful people.

Attend the entire retreat or just a few parts of it, depending on what your schedule allows. 

Watch your inbox. Details coming very soon.