When Dr. Tim Warren set out to climb Mt. Everest he knew his journey would be a long and difficult one, but it is what he discovered on his way down the mountain that actually opened his eyes.

“The past was history and the future a dream and all that existed for me was that second,” Warren wrote.

His story, “Lessons from Everest”, is published in the book Chicken Soup for the Soul: Count Your Blessings. This is the latest installment of the “Chicken Soup” books, a series designed to help real people share real stories of hope, courage, inspiration and love with hundreds of millions of people around the world.

Warren’s story is actually a small section from his upcoming book, Lessons from Everest. The book is in the final stages of editing and Warren expects it to be out sometime in late 2010.

“My experiences climbing Everest are a great metaphor for overcoming the difficulties in life,” said Warren.

Warren attempted to climb Everest in 2007, but a severe lung infection caused him to end the trip before reaching the summit. He returned to Everest in March of 2008 and after 70 long, painful days, he achieved his goal.

“I tried to maintain focus on the climb up and down,” said Warren.

When hikers reach the top of the mountain many succumb to a feeling of success believing they have made it, when in fact, the hardest part is yet to come. After the treacherous conditions the body has dealt with while achieving climatization on the way up, it is at its weakest strength point during the climb down. This balance of ups and downs helped Warren realize how his journey can help others.

“Every person is climbing their own Everest in life,” said Warren.

His book is a self-help/mountaineering combination that he hopes will allow others to deal with and overcome difficulties in their own lives.

While Dr. Warren maintains that he is finished climbing, he will be taking one last trip to the base camp of Everest with his son Kurt in April.

“My Sherpa wants a white cowboy hat, so that is our mission. I’m going to strap it to my pack and deliver it to him,” said Warren.

Kurt is involved with the Room to Read program as part of his senior project. Room to Read is an organization that partners with local communities throughout the developing world to provide quality educational opportunities by establishing libraries, creating local language children's literature, constructing schools, and providing education to girls. Kurt’s program will help build a school in Nepal, at the base of Mt. Everest.

“This is a great last opportunity to bond with my son before he goes off to college and his life completely changes,” said Warren.

Dr. Warren began hiking as a child and says his family was always climbing and hiking throughout the country. He began technical hiking, which is the use of artificial aides to protect ones self in case of a fall, in the early nineties.

“Each climb was going to be my last, but I got hooked,” said Warren.

Dr. Warren’s winter climbs up Mt. Washington quickly led to Mt. Kilimanjoro, and then to Mt. McKinley. After summiting McKinley, Warren realized that climbing Everest was well within his physical and mental capabilities. He then went down to Argentina, to climb rock Acancagua. Acancagua is the highest peak in the Western Hemisphere and has cold, remote and uncomfortable conditions, much like Everest. After Argentina Warren knew he was ready for Everest.

Completing the climb of the world’s tallest mountain, at 29,035 feet is Warren’s final climbing feat and one of his greatest accomplishments.

“Now I’m ready for the next challenge,” said Warren. With his book nearly completed, aside from the editing process, Warren hopes to write an accompanying workbook to go along with it. Between lecturing and public speaking appearances, Warren also hopes to start working on his first children’s book.

Warren credits his editor for suggesting he submit a section of the book to the Chicken Soup franchise.

“My editor said, ‘now you’re published’,” said Warren.

Submissions for the Chicken Soup books are done directly through the company’s Web site. They also list upcoming book titles and submission deadlines. Selected authors receive $200 and ten free books.