I really enjoyed the discussion in the last post. Thank you to everyone who added their two cents!

I am working on an intro to this little book right now, which revolves around the running aspect of Ms.D's life. I've started it this way because the way she describes her experiences (and they are pretty wild) are extremely fascinating.

In terms of a direction, we're looking at something that is kind of a memoir, but also meant to inspire women in business without sounding like a self-help book. As a reader, what kind of things would you like to learn about Ms.D? How she does it? What drives her? Her recipe for success?

If I am understanding her correctly, Ms. D believes that anyone is capable of anything (that is, as long as they are physically able). Anyone can run a marathon, learn how to cook, lose weight etc ... they just have to want it badly enough.

I'm having trouble coming to terms with this line of thinking. I want to believe it, I'm just not sure it's true. Is this idea simplifying things too much? Can anyone run a marathon?

Ms.D attributes a lot of her success to her mother. When Ms.D was growing up her mother constantly told her (1)she's smart and (2) has to work hard and that (3) education is the path to success.

"Adults have an opportunity to build a child up or knock them down," says Ms. D. "All you need to say is that a child is smart... You’re smart. You can do this. Try your best. If you really want to do it you can do it."

It seems this mantra has stuck with her, even into adulthood.

Ms.D has a remarkable and positive can-do attitude. Can anyone develop this kind of attitude? And what is our responsibility as parents to ensure our kids have it too?

... with the idea of full-time careers vs. motherhood, and all the challenges and guilt that arises from the decisions we make every day.

Is there such a thing as balance? Or is it an illusion? Those who say they've achieved life balance, are they telling the truth or just fooling themselves? Is it possible to find a balance between motherhood and a career that suits everyone involved?