Our Virtual Book Tour with Amy Sherman yesterday was lively and the questions from our readers all had a common theme. How do I maintain a positive attitude when facing health and relationship challenges - my recent MS diagnosis, constant back and knee pain, the stress of aging, a Father with Alzheimers moving in with my family, the loss of my husband?

Amy's responses were consistent and right on. While validating each reader's concerns, she also had practical suggestions - educate yourself about the problem, reach out for support, work on changing your mental attitude, don't self sabotage, get help from experts, take control where you can, make effective choices.

So take Amy's advise. As you ease into this long weekend, remember that you don't have to let your challenges define you. Relax, enjoy your family and make sure to take some time to nurture yourself.

We welcome Amy Sherman, author of "Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's
Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life," to our virtual book tour.

Amy, how did this book come about?

I developed 10 strategies 29 years ago when I was pregnant with my son and found out I had Crohn's Disease. The devastating news sent me on a negative spiral of depression and fear. However, after reassessing my situation, I realized that I had a great deal of power over how I could handle this health crisis.

It took a lot of determination, faith, inspiration, support and specific techniques to turn my health around and I have used these tools ever since. As a boomer, facing many other challenges now, I knew how effective these techniques really are and wanted to share them with others who were dealing with changes in health and professional or personal losses, such as the empty nest syndrome and aging parents.

How is "Distress-Free Aging: A Boomer's Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life" different from other inspirational books?

This book addresses the specific issues and concerns boomers face and how they can overcome them. It does this by examining the fears, self-defeating thoughts, inhibitions and doubts that keep boomers from reaching their full potential. The 10 strategies are reinforced by exercises at the end of each chapter and are enriched with valuable insights about taking personal control and responsibility for one's own life.

What are the biggest mistakes boomers should avoid?

One of the biggest mistakes is self-sabotage. Boomers tend to sabotage themselves by their negative thinking, worry and fear. How can you achieve what you want, when you fear failure or doubt your potential? Another big mistake is taking life too seriously. Laughter and humor are free commodities that diffuse negativity, boost your immune system and reduce stress. Many people forget how important that is.

What is the most important thing boomer women should
know to keep them motivated and inspired?

Boomer women need to remind themselves of their own significance and value. As they age, their roles will change, but they can reinvent themselves at each stage of their lives by making new and exciting goals that are based on their passions. Women need to know that anything is possible if they keep their focus on what they want and that everyone deserves to feel joy and happiness.

Thanks, Amy, for talking with us today. To learn more about Amy's work and her book, go to http://www.bummedoutboomer.com. And please click on "Comments" below, follow the instructions, ask Amy your questions and share your comments.

Continuing from yesterday's post - if you're a Sandwiched Boomer in a rut, what follows are some more ideas to help you fight inertia.

Create weekly or even daily to-do lists. For example, if a regular exercise program is your ultimate goal, begin by penciling in a 20 minute walk twice a week after carpool or during your lunch hour. Organization and planning may sound like dirty words. But the more you concretize what you plan to do, the greater the chances are that you'll follow through with your intentions.

Lower your expectations – and, for sure, don't expect anything near perfection. Actually, there is no perfection, so relax. Start out small and accept baby steps. If Aunt Bess has moved into the nursing home across town, your only choices aren't either to go daily or not at all. Pile the kids in the car one Sunday a month and enjoy an hour in the park with her and your family.

Give up the pleasure principle – that is, having exactly what you want when you want it. Next time you eat out, instead of finishing up with apple pie a la mode, visualize a thinner you in that little black dress at your upcoming 30th high school reunion. Delaying immediate gratification for future goals will lead to your feeling better about yourself and will nourish you way beyond your last bite of dessert.

Tune in this Thursday when we'll be featuring Amy Sherman, licensed therapist and author of Distress-Free Aging: A Boomers' Guide to Creating a Fulfilled and Purposeful Life.