None of our men are "experts." We have most unfortunately found it necessary
to get rid of a man as soon as he thinks himself an expert -- because no one
ever considers himself expert if he really knows his job. A man who knows a
job sees so much more to be done than he has done, that he is always pressing
forward and never gives up an instant of thought to how good and how efficient
he is. Thinking always ahead, thinking always of trying to do more, brings a
state of mind in which nothing is impossible. The moment one gets into the
"expert" state of mind a great number of things become impossible.
-- From Henry Ford Sr., "My Life and Work"

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
http://terrydillardgo.easyjournal.com

Web search leader Google Inc is planning to boost its presence in China by tying up with a Chinese on...

There are tons of diet/exercise/motivational books on the market. Don't make it a weight-loss program.
Write the story of YOU, of your life and your family, and I think you'll find that it's a much more fulfilling and satisfying venture. Share a message of love, passion, and determination with the world. We are here to help each other in this life - if we can share stories reflecting these values, we can all be inspired to do great things (like feeding the hungry and consoling the suffering).
it's the underlying message that's important, not necessarily the manner in which it's delivered.
good luck!

I disagree.
That's your life: curbing your personal overindulgence in food, running marathons, taking martial arts classes and being most proud of your weight loss?

What else do you have to share with the world, to bring world peace, to bring food to the hungry and consolation to the suffering? Having 6 kids is great.
You're part of the bigger picture, part of the whole.

You are right, enough books exist about diet and exercise. What can you tell me I don't already know?

Explore other options. Widen your horizon then pull focus.

Peace.

Dear Carmen,

You are such an inspiration, and a wonderful person. As I wrestle to balance family, a busy career, and other "hats", I have neglected caring for myself and the image I see is not what I desire. I am 75 pounds overweight, and was losing hope until I read your Real Life profile.

I'd love to know more about your success, and how to balance life and enjoy it abundantly as God intended. Go, girl, get moving. I'll be waiting for your book. You can do all things through Christ who strengthens you.

Love your blog! I couldn't stop smiling...keep shining your light on our lives. Happy New Year.

When I was in school, I made a lot of mistakes, as is part of life. I wanted to write a book about my experiences and how my decisions affected me, as well as a kind of "how-to" guide to getting through college alive. I think any kind of experience that makes you a better and stronger person is worth other people knowing and if it helps someone else, then you've also given back. Go for it!!

Carmen,
I definitely think a book about your experiences would be worthwhile for all wives, mothers and female professionals out there! All stories like yours are inspiring. Women need to know that healthy living can be accomplished the right way. Keep up the great work! Thanks for sharing!

Carmen, You should definately write a book. I wanted to hear about your story as soon as I read that you lost 75 pounds in 18 months. Wow, a mother of six losing all of her weight and becoming a healthier empowered woman. What a gift to you, your children and your family. I think that if you wrote a book and made it personal just like your writings on the real life page, that people would definately respond. You have a gift to share with your wit, your sacrifices and blessings of motherhood and being a wife. Give it a shot.

Carmen, the world is your oyster and you NEED to pluck that pearl! True, there are a million diet books out there, but how many of them were written by "regular people"? If you have a new way to lose weight and be healthy, you should share that with the world. I'm trying to write a screenplay right now and my best friend is trying to get her book published. It's hard work, but the payoff is worth the pain and struggle (I pray). Just remember this: never let anyone (especially yourself) discourage you from shooting for the moon. I hope all works out well. P.S. We need more authors in the 757, so hurry up and write that book! :)

I say go for it! There are lots of books on weight loss, but few that offer really practical and affirming advice. It sounds like you could offer that. If a book seems too intimidating, perhaps you could start with a blog. The feedback you get from your postings could help you write an even better book. A lot of people who are trying to loose weight these days look to the internet for support, and I'll bet a blog could be inspiring and useful. Best of luck!

Dear Carmen,
I hope you write that book! I'm a diet book junkie - always looking for a book that will give advice to the regular, busy working woman- never finding one that fits my life style. They're always written by a doctor or a celebrity. I would love to know how you lost 75 lbs. I'll keep my eyes open at the bookstore for your book! And someday when you visit Scotland and Ireland you'll have to write a book about that too!

Dear Carmen,

I recently wrote a modern day fairy tale, Princess Bubble, with my best friend. We are so passionate about our message. But, it really is a ton of work trying to promote the book. If you are very passionate as well-I say "Go for it!"

Everytime a mother tears up and tells me, "This is the message I want to share with my little girl. " I think it is worth all the work!

Dear Carmen,
from the opinion of a young girl (13) i think you should go for it! I can think of a million things i wanted to do but then was to scared to try. I regret every one of them!

Dear Carmen,
from the opinion of a young girl (13) i think you should go for it! I can think of a million things i wanted to do but then was to scared to try. I regret every one of them!

Dear Carmen,
You should definitely write your story, but you are also right to be concerned about the sales aspect. It is a very tough business. The children's book I co-authored has just been published. It is on adoption. Our website is:
www.logansjourney.com
It took us three years to find a publisher but we felt so strongly about the message behind the book and believed in what we are doing and it all worked out. Just like your weight loss this goal will be a tough one but if you stick it out it can happen.
Best of luck,
Karla

Go on, Girl! Here's at least one copy sold. I'd love to read your story.

Is your goal to have a bestseller, or to write something thoughtful and compelling that could inspire and help even one person? The process of writing a book can be cathartic and therapeutic, not to mention it would be terrible fulfilling to be really truly published in such a way. If it's not a bestseller, who cares? You accomplished a major goal and will probably be able to help more women because of it.

Carmen, if every woman, every artist, every writer, every great thinker thought that their unique experience or insight doesn't merit being brought forth in the world--the world would be such a dull uninspired place. Just write it down and worry about who will read it later!

Carmen, you're living a great example of 'do as I say AND as I do'. As a mom of ONE child, I'm trying to find the time to lose 15 lbs. With six kids, I'd certainly want to know how you kept a balance. The 'who do you think you are' is also a great thing to write about, since it affects those of us losing weight AND those of us who want to do something great (like write a book). Go for it! You won't know if you don't try!

Carmen- Don't worry about whether the book will sell, who am I to write this book, and on and on. That is an old tape of self-doubt that you need not keep playing to yourself. Write this book for you! Put down how you achieved your goals, how it has changed your life, write this as an affirmation of yourself and others will beat the doors down at the bookstore to find out how YOU approached your issues.

I think your life is similar to alot of what women deal with everyday: weight issues, am I interesting enough, who'd care about little ol' me.
Write the book. Worst case scenario. You don't get published. Who cares? Think about how much you'll learn in the process. About yourself and the book industry. Best case scenario: we see you on The Today Show with Bob Greene hocking your book! Yea!

I struggled with a decision like this last year as I tried to decide of I should go through the National Teacher Certification. Who did I think I was that My teaching ability was so much better? Well, I jumped in and applied and am working towards it now. It is a scary, busy process and I am still struggling, but I feel that already it has made me abetter teacher., which was ultimately my goal whether I achieve certification or not.Maybe this process will allow you to learn something about yourself too!

My question to you is: Why shouldn't you? What could you have to lose? Even if no one does read it, you have to admit that the feeling you get after you've accomplished something is wonderful. I think if you don't, you may regret it later, and who has time for regret?

You should write a book because you are a warrior: a mom of six kids and a confident kick-ass martial arts devotee. You probably lost over half your former weight, which is a goldarned superior achievement.

I had six kids too, but didn't write a book. I quilted and painted pictures and sang my (formerly smoke-filled) lungs out in choirs and even a Chorale (notice the capital C).

Share what you know. It's the Eleventh Commandment.