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December 30, 2013 Hi {!firstname_fix} We are standing on the edge of a new year and it feels wonderful. Many of us have had a peaceful and settled holiday season and are ready for new beginnings. I have started some great new inner exploration which is very energizing. It feels healing and creative. I am negotiating with the Rio Grande Hotel about Ranch in May. They are being very accommodating and it looks like we will be able to use the model we did in Salisbury that was so helpful to the process. I should have things finalized shortly. But do pay attention to timing so you can get the early bird rate. These classes will begin Wednesday, January 1, 2014. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:
These classes will begin Wednesday, January 8, 2014. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:
This class will begin Wednesday, January 15, 2014. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:
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 **********************************************************************
**Quote From Kathleen ** You cannot heal addiction in isolation. **********************************************************************
**Testimonial of the Week ** We were having a funny conversation about doing the steps as they are written. So many people say, *Oh Kathleen, I have been doing Atkins for years. I know the drill.* I laugh and say there is more to the steps than meets the eye. Here is a fun post I wrote to one of the people who was SURE that her way was ideal. And, of course, there is a reason for the way I suggest, LOL. There is more to the program than just the food. There is a process of healing as well. There are many, many other things embedded in each step.
Gee, I talked on this topic for 90 minutes at ranch, LOL. We even have a CD of it. Getting off of sugar is a tiny part of healing sugar sensitivity (smile). Warmly, Kathleen **********************************************************************
**Radiant Life ** I just wanted to share with SOMEONE – and I figured that you, of all people, would be the best ones to share it with. I'm not so worried any more because, while all of the obvious signs seem to be pointing in the opposite direction, I can feel the changes going on inside me. I can feel my body getting re-aligned, re- adjusted, re-awakened. And I love it. I can say this because, just a few days ago, I woke up happy for the first time in years. Years. Not "happy" as in excited about something that was going to happen that day, or because of something that had happened the night before. Not a giggly, funny, ha ha happy either. Not even a conscious happy. It wasn't until I was walking out the door for work that I realized I had been smiling since I woke up. That was two hours prior. And I didn't know why, and it really didn't matter. I liked how the smile felt on my face, and I left it at that. I woke up happy, and it was amazing. I've been waking up happy since. Just feeling pleasant in the mornings. What a treat that is. I'm so happy that, even though I've gained 6 pounds since starting SARP, I'm not upset. In the past, this would have crushed me. Not only have I gained 6 pounds, but I'm at the heaviest I've ever been. But I'm not worried. Here's why: Not so long ago, I was deep in the midst of yet another diet. I've been on and off diets since I was 18, and have been continually on a diet for the last 3 years. Non-stop. Counting this and that, eliminating these foods, eating only other kinds of foods, points here, there and everywhere. And a few months ago, while charting up my day's intake of "allowed/allotted" food, I thought to myself that none of this was working. I was practically starving myself, and the weight wasn't moving. "What I need," I thought, "is a way to get my metabolism going." I felt that my blood was stagnant, that no matter what I ate, or didn't eat, nothing was ever going to happen. My body was like an engine that had been run without oil – gasping and sputtering, no matter what kind of fuel I pumped into it, it just wasn't going to run. (for you gearheads out there, please pardon me if that's an incorrect analogy.) My engine is now getting a tune up. I can feel it inside me. I can feel the good foods that I'm eating going out and repairing the broken bits inside of me. I feel like my blood is starting to "live" again, instead of flowing through me sluggishly. Yes, I've gained, but I know why. I dove off the deep end. "I'm not on a diet anymore" I thought, "I'm on a LIFE PLAN, and I can eat anything I want (as long as I have my breakfast with protein and brown/green)." So I did. And then I journaled, and didn't listen when my journal told me that the "forbidden" foods I was now indulging in were making me feel sick. Then I moved on to step three. And as I ate my 3 regular meals, with protein, brown/green, and ANYTHING ELSE I WANTED, I found that I didn't really want anything else. The chocolates, the chips, the garlic toast, they all started tasting kind of bad. I'm starting to eat less and less of them. Not because I'm saying, "no- you can't have that", because I CAN have that, if I want to. I'm not eating them because I'll pick up that next chip and get it half way to my mouth, and then put it back down. I don't WANT it. It doesn't seem appetizing. I'm FULL. Just like being just plain happy, I haven't been just plain full in years. I've been stuffed to the gills, but not full. I've eaten so much on some occasions that I thought I'd be sick, and ten minutes later be right back at the table. Now, I'm eating smaller and smaller meals, not consciously, but almost inadvertently. I'll cook a big dinner, and halfway through, without thinking about it, put down my fork and clear it away. It won't be until I'm putting the chocolate cake back into the refrigerator that I'll notice that I DIDN'T EAT IT. I'm finding that if I really really want to eat sweets or salty things, I have to eat them first, otherwise I'll forget. I know that for a while yet, things will be hard. My car/body is still being repaired. It will stutter and gasp and emit large clouds of ugly black smoke. What that means for the really me, I'm not sure. I'll probably gain a little more weight, or have days when I don't wake up happy, or whatever. But the main thing is that the repairs are getting started! To mix my metaphors – Rome wasn't built in a day, and I'm not going to be healed overnight. But I'm starting. Brick by brick, brown rice by chicken breast, it's getting done. I'm curious and excited to see what happens over the next steps. What will happen when I start with the potato? I've already started to dream again – something else I haven't done in years. I still can't fully remember them, but I'm sure it will come. What will happen when I finally reach detox? Will I even need to? Or will I have just forgotten to eat all those things I used to NEED so badly. Who knows? Anyway, sorry this has been so long. I just needed to get it out to someone who would understand. Cate **********************************************************************
**Radiant Ambassadors **  What does your profile say about you? I am in between degree modules at the moment so have joined a couple of free online courses that are being rolled out by universities in the UK - this is a new government-led initiative. I have joined a psychology class and an addiction class (they are only 6 weeks' in length) because those are the things I love learning about. I have updated my profile on the site which tells the world that I am 'fascinated by the biochemistry of addiction (sugar sensitivity) and all things psychology'. You never know! Selena selenas@blueyonder.co.uk Come join us if you are excited about spreading the news. **********************************************************************
**How I Found Radiant Recovery ** Hi everyone! I'm Mary Elizabeth, from Green Bay, WI. Yes, home of the Packers, cheese curds, and Harley Davidsons (from nearby Milwaukee). I was once a non-football fan from the East coast, but have been in GB for 8 years now, and did my part to help Donald Driver win "Dancing with the Stars" last year! It is really amazing, our group members are truly a sampling of America! A little patriotic thought on this 4th of July! I happened upon the Potatoes not Prozac book in an Amazon.com link a week or two ago while I was looking for another book! I checked it out from the library and couldn't believe the list of symptoms, matching what I've been feeling my whole life!!! Tired, lethargic, never able to stay with any kind of program consistently, a lapsed lifetime member of Weight Watchers, taking meds for depression/anxiety/ADD, my mom drinks wine every day (would be really insulted by even a passing reference to the word alcoholic; her grandpa was an alcoholic). The program makes so much sense, yet also leaves me wondering why none of my doctors ever suggested it. That chocolate chip cookie "test" really hit home. Until just a month ago, I had been on a really steady 6-month exercise and healthy eating path without the usual quitting. But every month, like clockwork, I succumbed to an overwhelming urge to bake/eat almost a whole batch of chocolaty/salty Tollhouse cookies or brownies, and as a result I gained and lost the same 3 lbs every month. In June, I got out of my usual exercise habit and schedule and have been sinking deeper and deeper into inactivity and recreational eating. But knowing that I feel 100% better when I'm exercising, this morning I got in a very brief walk, and have to keep taking steps back toward healthy! I started Step One last week, and found it more challenging than I expected. Since I weigh a lot, the amount of protein I should eat is a bit staggering. I bought some protein powder made from pumpkin seeds at the local health food shop, and am not yet used to the fact that this green powder turns all my food green......green eggs and ham can be yours too!! :-) I also started to notice that sugar is currently an "important" part of how I "season" my food---- oatmeal, cinnamon toast, a pinch in homemade tomato sauce, my daily hot chocolate....you just can't eat chocolate without the sugar! It's absolutely everywhere!!! I'm really committed to ridding myself of the "symptom list" for sugar sensitivity, but it really looks like a MAJOR lifestyle change. And one that will take a long time to accomplish. To get off of prescriptions, and to finally maintain a sense of vitality as a constant way of life, kind of feels like I'm being offered a chance to live in an amazing oasis, but on a planet far, far away! Apologies for the long post! I'm a talker. All best, Mary Eliz. **********************************************************************
** Radiant Recovery® Store ** David manages the Radiant Recovery® Store. He is also Kathleen's oldest son. 
A lot of people have been asking me about the CD sets we have. The Theory and Practice set is a perfect introduction if you are new to the program. Not only does it take you through each of the steps, it also talks about what else is embedded in the steps. Learn about the *hidden* work that heals addiction in a caring and thoughtful way.
And as you grow into your program, Deepening the Process is ideal to make sense of changes and feelings that emerge. Learn how the steps change as you become more skilled. Understand that insidious Addiction Amoeba that calls you from afar, and start understanding how emotional healing can work for you.I hear only rave reviews of these two sets, so if you want to do deeper, they are a fabulous option. Please send questions and suggestions. I love hearing from you and truly want to help you do your program better. **********************************************************************
**Radiant Kitchen ** This recipe has been around the community a long time. Everyone who tries it just loves it. Hope you do, too! Twice-Baked Sweet Potatoes with Citrus and Mascarpone
For more great program-friendly recipes, check out our cookbook in the store and visit our online Radiant Recipes site. **********************************************************************
**Radiant YLD ** Anyone thinking about New Year's resolutions and thinking that they will be starting a new diet? Or maybe even revisiting one that you have been on before???? Well, if you are anything like me, that's what I did for virtually all of my adult life. I think I can safely say that I tried them all (smile)! How about doing something different and giving yourself the gift of recovery in 2014? Your Last Diet means just that. If you want to stop the insanity of constant dieting, then come and chat with us about why those diets haven't worked for you. We will be chatting about what to eat and how to exercise. I really hope to see you there! And if you are not yet a member, this is NO better time than right now. Steph x If you would like to join, come find us here **********************************************************************
**Radiant Conversations ** We have a new portal for the Conversations program. Come check it out here. What is this part of the community anyway? Well, we wanted to have a place to talk about some of the *issues* that come along with being sugar sensitive. Not just the food, but some of the concepts as well. For example, this week we will be talking about the whole idea of *learned helplessness* and how it affects the choices we make. It's a great time to join us and be a part of these live conversations with Kathleen and other community members. 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 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! **********************************************************************
**Our Online Groups ** We are revising the Family and Friends list in a pretty significant way. After the 1st of January, we will be shifting into working with combining the food and using the steps of Alanon to create healing and freedom for those of us who have alcoholism in our family or friends circle. This is a very special list in our community and requires a real willingness to work in depth. To join us, you have to have a very steady step three and be willing to actively participate. If you are ready for change, we are delighted to have you join us. **********************************************************************
**The Tools of Your Journey ** Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.
Let’s spend a little time talking about the valuable tools of your journey — your journal and the lists of your process. Use that Journal The value of your journal comes in using it. When you really understand that your journal is the way your body talks with you, everything changes. If you only see your journal as a 'log' to record how well (or how poorly) you are doing, it will get really old fast. If you work with your journal as a living dialogue with your body, it will truly be a joy. You will want to write in it. Even more important, you will want to read it and use it to understand what your body needs. You may feel that the steps I have outlined are too simple. You may drift towards counting calories, towards recording grams. You may focus on tracking every little detail, but forget the relationship part. Remember Relationship Your body wants to be in relationship with you. It will show you the way by how you feel. If you are feeling better, things are working. If you aren’t, then you simply need to adjust your process and your food. But you can’t know the adjustments without your journal. If you came to my office for a private session, I would ask you to bring your journal. Here are the things we would look at together:
I was recently working with someone who is a little person. She weighs 118 and wants to weigh 110 (stay with me. I know at first glance you may think you should have such problems — but the story is the same for all of us!). She is sugar sensitive and is doing YLD. She started having 3 cups of veggies at each meal. She felt she didn’t lose weight quickly enough (a clue — she is still in the numbers game ;-) ), so she added another cup of veggies. Her body is very smart. It said, 'I don’t think so!' She stopped losing weight and started feeling de-energized and off kilter. I blessed her body. It is so smart. It was talking to her! Her body wanted her to listen. She needed to do her food in a way that suited her body. We sorted it out. Less was better. And the plan started working again.
Yes, Yes, the potato is important And, I know you know that the potato is important. Or you may not. I am still getting mail from people who ask me, 'Are you sure you really want me to eat this?' 'It’s high glycemic!' 'Sugar Busters says that potatoes are BAD!' 'But, you aren’t supposed to eat before sleeping!' 'It’s more calories. I am going to gain weight!' Remember, we are changing your basic thinking about losing weight. We are up against years and years of conditioning here. Read the weekly newsletter. Check on the forum. Talk about it with others doing the program. It’s important. Have your potato. Redefining the Focus I am sure you are connecting with my reasoning. You notice, at no time have I said, 'So how much do you weigh today?' If you are still focused on the scale, you aren’t focused on the relationship to your body. You will lose weight, I promise. But what I want most is for you to know, and most of all, to love your body. I want you to come to love that body — even while it is still fat, even when it is wrinkly and saggy (my apologies to you who are younger ;-) ), even when it is still learning about exercise. This body has served you diligently. Through all those years of abuse, being forgotten, living in shame, being hidden, your body has waited and wanted to talk with you. And I guarantee, if you come home to it, it will respond with a degree of cooperation which will shock you. Your body loves you. Even if you haven’t loved it — it adores you and wants to serve you. Spend time, listen to it. The journal is your body’s voice. Literally. Think of that when you write in your journal. Think of that when you read your journal. Your body’s voice. Relationship! Finally. If You Listen, Your Body Will Speak. Thanks for reading! If you know someone who could benefit from this, feel free to forward it to them. Not a subscriber yet? Like what you have read? Sign up to get future issues delivered straight to you: http://www.radiantrecovery.com Until next time!
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. Steph provides the Your Last Diet column. ©2013 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. You are getting the weekly newsletter from Radiant Recovery® in response to your signup. A copy of this newsletter may also be found posted on the web at http://www. radiantrecovery.com/weeklynewsletter |
