Do Burdens Really Do A Body Good?

Losing your publicist three weeks prior to your release, relegated to having to do most of your own promotions sounds like a recipe for disaster right?  Sure, it left a huge hole in the plan, but it ultimately turned into an opportunity that has been paying off for veteran writer Michele Howe in a big way.  “I started dealing with the publisher directly and the result has been a hard to come by great review from publisher weekly, great boost from the library Journal along with a glowing review from Retailing Your Resources”, Michele shared.  has been doing a lot of radio and getting exposure within the medical world as people are intrigued by the practical inspirational everyday life advice accompanied with practical medical advice from a well respected M.D.  Michele an amazing writer who had penned multiple books and over 900 articles, has worked as a manuscript critic/editor for several years is understandably excited about her new release Burden’s Do The Body Good, a practical handbook to aid you in dealing with life’s challenges.  I received the book on a Thursday and had almost completed it by Friday, but as I read I was intrigued how these simple truths mixed with practical medical advice came into fruition.

Five years ago Michele went in to have shoulder surgery, originally slated to be a one time deal which turned into four surgeries in the last five years.  After the surgeries, Michele who had been freelancing for years found it hard to get back in the swing of it.  For the first time in her life this overachiever was having a hard time dealing with the fact that life didn’t stop nor slow down when we are not fit enough (mentally or physically) to deal with it.    Michele began writing articles about women’s issues.  She quickly began to realize women everywhere were dealing with similar issues that caused similar stress.  Everywhere she went she encounter women who were discouraged.  Her surgeon Dr. Foetisch who became her co-author, allowed Michele to come in and witness surgeries for an in-depth look at the process.  He also and agreed to lend his expertise to the project when Michele explained her goal to help women deal with the the curves that life throws on a regular basis.  “It’s hard to help women stay strong, while being pulled in so many different directions”, Michele explained.  It was obvious to Michele that these stresses left many feeling discouraged.  There was an obvious need for something to speak to the women that Michele had been called to help, thus the book was birthed out of the need to assist others while fighting through her own struggles.

Burdens Do A Body Good is broken into 30 different chapters and areas that represent the biggest areas where women struggle.  Accompanied with Dr. Foetischs’ advice on how to stay healthy in the midst, this easy read is a reference tool that you’ll want to keep close by.

As I looked at the chapters within the book, there were several that stood out as if they were written for me.  One in particular on uncertainty spoke directly to my core.  In these trying economic times, I meet so many people who are dealing with uncertainty.   People are faced with the possibility of loosing jobs, homes, and many are not sure if they can provide for family.  Therefore it’s more than relevant to have a chapter that breaks this concept down from a practical standpoint, leaving you prepared to face any uncertainty that may even consider sneaking into your subconscious.

Michele’s goal is to turn every negative into positive because she believes your attitude is a major part of the outcomes in your life.  It’s true when troubles arise you have a choice to emerge stronger or embittered and defeated.  “It’s important when you go through a struggle to look for others who have been where you’ve been”, Michele said.  “As you get older you realize the little control you have”.  This struck a cord with me because it seemed to be originating from a place I’ve been tracking recently, realizing that we are vulnerable beings subject to the conditions that we are exposed to.  Each day we all face unknowns that leave many paralyzed and afraid, but what’s around the corner can be met and addressed to diffuse the stress before it sets in is the message Michele shares.

The book is a great read, very concise and gives valuable information.  The roughly 130 page book, is broken down to small chapters that offer real solutions and insight to what your dealing with.  I found myself consumed with the ideas and recommendations, anxious to apply some of the suggestions to my life and share them with my clients.

Before we completed the interview Michele shared a few simple truths that helped shape her project as well as her life.

• Be honest and look at it for what it is.
• Always remember that everything we have is not really ours
• We need to look towards the needs of our neighbors
• Be generous when we are able and not make money the be all to who we are.

These words were powerful coming from a woman that reads 4-5 books a week, writes non-stop and has so much insight to a plethora of topics.

Before I knew it I had been inspired.  It was clearly evident that Michele’s passion surpasses any plan that a publicist could have ever laid out, and hence the success has been phenomenal.  Burdens Do A Body Good was written to help with life’s weightier challenges with courage, faith and hope.  After completing the book it felt great to say that I believe it accomplishes the goal it set out to.