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December 17, 2012

Hi {!firstname_fix}

What an intense week it has been. I am going to respond to the tragedy in Connecticut in the article today.

I am glad we are starting the holy night reflection. I think it will soothe and quiet all of us. Please note we are starting it tomorrow. We are simplifying the registration. You do not have to *register*, just come over to the class and we will get you in.

This class will begin Monday, December 17, 2012. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:

starry sky Holy Night (19 days) -is a reflection to help you shift gears into the real meaning of Christmas, Hanukkah, Soyal or any solstice celebration you may do. I do this every year and people find it very supportive. I am doing it differently this year to honor 2012 so be sure to join us. There is no charge for this class. NOTE: We will close the class on Monday evening.


These classes will begin Wednesday, January 2, 2012. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:

clutter Clearing All That Stuff (2 weeks) - I am revising the clutter class to work with the perspective of the research on how *hoarders* brains are wired differently and how this research may apply to those of us who are sugar sensitive. I will look at why our *stuff* or our *collections* may actually provide comfort for us.

This will be a FOCUSED, quick and dirty support to getting your house, your yard, your closets, your life, your soul all cleaned up. This will be a funny, playful way to look at the scary corners filled with 15 spice jars, cosmetics pots of face cream, tools or old sheets that you might need someday. This is an opportunity to face your stuff and be supported in letting it go.

Most important, this is about taking away the shame we have all carried about this hidden part of our lives. Take your recovery to another level. Not for the feint of heart or anyone not ready to play. But if you are brave and want to take a look at this, come join us.
child holding teddy bear Magical Introversion (2 weeks) - is a class which grew out of your teachings. Last year you sat with me and talked about what life is like for you. I took that material, added the brain component, and put together the implications for sugar sensitives. We LOVE this material, love this class. If you are an introvert, or if you live with an introvert, take this class. It will make life easier.


The class schedule is online. Click here to see what is planned.

A number of you have asked me how the classes work. Check the class list page for more information on this. And please go read the questions and answers before you write to me. If you have trouble getting through the process, write the tech forum.

Be sure to visit our Radiant Recovery website and Community Forum regularly.

Warmly,
Kathleen

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**Quote From Kathleen **


Think of your food journal as your body’s book. Your body needs a place to tell its own story.

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**Testimonial of the Week **


I've been there, too. Quit sugar cold-turkey because I was too scared to trust that I could do it the way Kathleen wrote it (not the greatest idea, LOL). Ran out of money before I ran out of month (Shredded Wheat and whey protein work fine for breakfast). Wondered if I was ever going to be able to stay with it (I'll have 7 years in RR the first of January). Gained weight. Lost weight. Cried. Learned to laugh. Finally figured out that all of this doesn't have to be hard.

I just kept eating breakfast. And I kept posting. The lists are so helpful.

You're doing great. Every part of every step that you put into place makes a difference. Keep it up!

Jo M.

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**Radiant Ambassadors **


Selena head shot

Diane has been having success talking about Radiant Recovery with various people. I thought it would be fun to would share her wonderful post about what she says:

"Each time is different really, depending on the circumstances. I listen and I look around (cuz that is just what I do, heh). One last week was when a woman was putting her items up on the conveyor behind mine and I noticed she had some items from the health food section ( this was my regular grocery store) such as soy milk, whole wheat pasta, organic peanut butter.

I thought ok, this is a person that wants to eat healthy, (while also noticing she had quite a few sweet things)..and excitedly noted to her ooooh, I haven't tried that pasta..it looks really good! She said yeah, it really is. I offered that I feel so much better when I eat whole grains, and asked if she finds that to be true too...and then we were talking. :) I shared about how there was a time when I wouldn't touch whole grains, and then I found a nutritional healing plan that improved my health so profoundly with including them that they have become a staple...pointing out my box of brown rice. I shared a few of the bigger conditions that have been healing for me and when she indicated that this sounded impressive I asked if she had ever heard of the book, Potatoes not Prozac. She said she hadn't and I said ohhh.. it's so terrific!!

I offered a little more about the biochemistry and offered her a card, which she thanked me for and started checking it out. I turned and handed one to the cashier saying you can have one too! with a little chuckle, and then proceeded to pay for my stuff and wished my new friends a great rest of the day.

I really enjoy these friendly and fun little (quick) exchanges which are pretty relaxed and more casual. It's so neat, as before doing the program I really wasn't one to strike up jovial conversations with strangers, while I really enjoy it now.

This weekend I had 2 occasions to run to the store to pick up a couple of things, and had similar exchanges. The really fun part this time is I was able to grab a copy of First magazine off the checkout rack and refer to Kat's article to add to the exchange! In both cases several people within hearing range checked it out. The cashier said she was going to get one, and as I was walking away I heard a bagger ask her what we had been talking about. :)

I might need to go back and pick something else up today. Heh."

Selena
selenas@blueyonder.co.uk

Come join us if you are excited about spreading the news.

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**How I Found Radiant Recovery **


Hello, my name is Catherine and I live in Scotland.

I am 46, happily married with one beautiful child. To the outside world I am a successful health professional yet I have suffered with my eating from my late teens (bulimia teens and twenties), yo-yo dieting (the rest), being overweight most of the time. I was attempting to lose weight (again - weight watchers) and went to a hypnotherapist to help me stay on track (!) The sessions became more counseling and last week she suggested Potatoes not Prozac. I went straight to the website and cried, it all made sense, I was sugar sensitive if not a raging sugar addict! The book has just arrived from Amazon so I am at the very beginning planning to start step one.

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** Radiant Recovery® Store **


David manages the Radiant Recovery® Store. He is also Kathleen's oldest son.

I think many of you who attend chats heard Kathleen talk about her rescue dog, Spencer. When he arrived he was the BIGGEST Golden Retriever I have ever seen. He weighed 151 pounds! He could only walk about 10 feet before he had to stop and lie down. And he had arthritic stiffness so bad that she had to help him up by putting a towel under his stomach and hoisting him.


Joint Response 360 She started him on Cetyl M Joint Action. She also started him on YLD, LOL. In 2 weeks, he was up and walking. Not far, but walking. A month later, he had lost 20 pounds and was going for a walk ever day. Allison lives in Albuquerque and she really loves rescue dogs. She started taking him on special walks. The early ones were out to the end of the driveway. Last week he was going down to the park at a pretty fast clip with his tail up and Allison following. I think Joint Response is a wonder drug for dogs. If your dog is stiff, try this product. It is waaaay better than glucosamine.


Please send questions and suggestions. I love hearing from you and truly want to help you do your program better.

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**Radiant Kitchen **


Here are two delicious latke recipes from our very own Gail. Even if you don't celebrate Chanukah, these would make great browns for your meals!

Traditional Latkes

  • 4 medium potatoes
  • 1 onion
  • 2 eggs
  • 3 T flour ( any kind, I use Kathleen's baking mix)
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Dash of pepper
  • 1 tsp baking powder ( omit with Kathleen's baking mix)
  • Oil for frying
Grate potatoes, skin and all. I usually use a lighter skin potato like red bliss and I sometimes throw them in the food processor. Grate the onion. Squeeze the extra moisture out of the potato and onion. Combine all other ingredients, mix well. Heat oil in medium frying pan, drop by tablespoons, and fry until bottom is golden brown. Flip and brown other side. Drain on paper towels. Serve with applesauce or sour cream.

Sweet Potato Latkes

These are Gail's notes, "This recipe I have played with some. They don't usually come out as crispy."

  • 2 sweet potatoes
  • 2 eggs, lightly beaten
  • 2 T flour (any kind)
  • Cinnamon to taste
  • Dash of salt
Peel and shred the potatoes. I guess you could leave the skin on, but we don't. Squeeze the extra liquid out. Combine all other ingredients, mix well. Heat oil in medium frying pan, drop by tablespoons, and fry until bottom is golden brown. Flip and brown other side. Drain on paper towels.

For more great program-friendly recipes, check out our cookbook in the store and visit our online Radiant Recipes site.


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**Radiant YLD **


We have been looking at some *upgrades for the YLD program. At one time we talked about a *fast track* option. That was a royal disaster. Never use that concept with addicts, heh heh. But it did get me thinking. We have the most incredible weight loss program. And we spend a lot of time saying, work on the steps, get steady, then do weight loss. For someone who is fat, this message, even though right, can be pretty frustrating. Steady is nice, but you are still fat.

So I wanted to come up with something that would support you right from the gate with your taking action to lose weight. I am redesigning and upgrading the program Look for those changes in January.

I will be sharing the theory of YLD. What is it that makes so much sense? Why is it so important? Why does it work so well? Why do we have so much fun? What is happening that makes this plan so successful? Stuff like that. It is exciting and I know you will be thrilled.

If you would like to join, come find us here

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**Radiant Conversations **


We have a new portal for the Conversations program. Come check it out here.

Tomorrow we will be talking about grief and trauma and how we, as sugar sensitive people, can hold it. I hope you will join us.

If you would like to join us, you can do that below.

Join YLD Weight Loss Now: click here - $99

Join Conversations 2011 Now: click here - $99

Join Both YLD and Conversations Now: click here - $149

Current YLD members wish to Upgrade to Both, click here - $49

Current YLD members who wish to Transfer to Conversations 2011 Only can do so for a $14.99 admin fee: click here

If you are not a member, come and join us if you want to be a part of the latest and greatest or just have some plain ol' fun!

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**Our Online Groups **


Radiant Men is a group that we have restarted based on what you have asked for. It used to be called Radiant Guys, but that name is now taken. This group is designed to respond to the special and unique issues of being sugar sensitive as a male. We will look at style and tips for making your program work better.

Or come to the group page to find the one that will best support your program: http://www.radiantrecovery.com/list_serves.htm


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**Sorrow and Solace **
Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.



weeping stone angel I had to turn off the TV, alter my computer setting and simply sit quietly after I first heard the news about the shooting in CT. I know enough about trauma to know that over and over and over does NOT help. I have spent many hours in prayer and meditation sending light to the families.

This morning some of our leadership team gathered for a chat. It was just *touching noses* the way we do at a funeral. Gathering...it helps.

I went over to Starbucks for my morning Green Tea and glanced at the NY Times on the rack. *Assault Rifle* and then the list of the children. Age 6, age 5... and I felt physically ill. I had to go home and sit and somehow try to make sense of this in a different way.

I have felt for a long time that this time in our lives is about the light pressing in. There is so much happening in the world that gives evidence to the softening, the awakening of a new way. And then an event like a hurricane, a shooting blasts into our lives and I struggle. I forget my knowing about the light. I have been preparing the class on Holy Night which is about the light in the darkness and as I have looked at those notes again, I remember...in the darkness we can see our candle further. The darker it is, the longer we see it.

star trails in time lapse image creating an endless circle At home, I went through my email. There was an email from National Geographic...and this picture. The movement of the stars. Somehow this comforted me. Our job perhaps is to hold the belief in that truth no matter what. To hold that pain, mental illness can create havoc. That we can meet unthinkable sorrow in ways we never imagined. We can stand with those in grief, we can tolerate not having answers or not being able to take away the pain. We can simply bear witness to our caring. And we can keep holding to a belief that the light is still wanting to come, to be seen and to guide how we are in the world.

I will live into this commitment. To show up for those in pain. To be still, to love, to wait in the darkness...and to take action to stand behind my beliefs that it is not all right for people to have assault rifles and do horrible things. For every parent who has lost a child to murder, to every child who has lost a parent to murder, I send my love and the wish for reconciliation.

Thanks for reading! If you know someone who could benefit from this, feel free to forward it to them.

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Until next time!
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Here are the folks who are helping put the newsletter together:

Gretel, our webmaster, puts it all together.
David runs the Radiant Recovery® Store.
Selena provides the weekly Ambassadors column.



©2012 Kathleen DesMaisons. All rights reserved. You are free to use or transmit this article to your ezine or website as long as you leave the content unaltered, use this attribution: "By Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D. of Radiant Recovery®", and notify kathleen@radiantrecovery.com of the location. Please visit the Radiant Recovery® website at http://www.radiantrecovery.com for additional resources on sugar sensitivity and healing addiction.

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