Hi {!firstname_fix}
Ok, first the update on the great mountain discussion. This has been absolutely fascinating to me.
Some of you love this image beyond compare and think it is restful, holy and full of light. Others find it depressing, dark and gloomy. Many commented on how I might adapt it or what kind of image I might use. One person asked why am I using a mountain and not food.
So, let me share some more thinking. I am using a mountain because the story is bigger than food. I personally love this picture and feel it represents the best of what we are about. And, if it is evoking dark and gloomy for some of you, that is not good. So here is what I am going to do. I will wait for the light, and use my camera and create a new image for you. This may take a while. So we are keeping this one for now. If you find it gloomy while waiting, focus right below the little ® mark and it may be ok.
I am not adapting or *enhancing* the image. This picture is part of an exhibition of Geraint's work. He is one of New Mexico's leading photographers and I pleaded with him to use it on the site. We will collaborate on something for the future. Know that I am listening.
Ok, and I am still doing classes. I love classes. Come join us.
Step 1: The Art of Breakfast is the core foundation class. Learn how to deal with Step One and make it a joy.
Step 2: Journal: Skillful Use is the second of our Step 2 series. This is open to anyone who has completed the intro class. Come take those skills further.
Back to Basics 1 is your get back in the saddle after you succumbed to Thanksgiving calling you. This is a class for step 7 people who need to refocus, have fun and get support.
Recovery from Alcoholism is a wonderful support for folks looking at their drinking issues. Let me take you through evaluating how serious things are and creating a plan to get started.
Brain Chemistry: Serotonin is one of our most fun brain chemistry classes. As we get closer to long winter nights, come learn why you get depressed and what to do about it.
You can see an updated schedule for the future by clicking here.
A number of you have asked me how the classes work. Check the class list page for more information on this. The classes are done online with one lesson each day. You do not have to be at your computer at any set time.
Please feel free to pass this week's newsletter on to your friends and family. Don't forget to let me know what you like and would like to see me cover.
Be sure to visit our Radiant Recovery® website and Community Forum regularly.
Warmly,
Kathleen
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December 5, 2005
** Quote From Kathleen **
You don't have to work through your self-esteem and take care of feelings your whole life. You just do the food and the feelings will take care of themselves.
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** Testimonial for the Week**
I really have come a long way, thanks for reminding me of that.
Six months ago, before I started this program, a bad morning would have
started at 4 pm because my kids and I were too strung out to get to bed any earlier than 7am! On those days I would eat a bagel for dinner, then a few bites of something reasonable and then graze on cola, cereal, and more bagels well into the next night and morning. Wow, and days like that
happened several times a month!
These days a "bad morning" means I slept in to 9:30 am! That's amazing.
A year ago I tried to get my kids into the morning gymnastics but after a
week I had to drop them out because I could not get up early enough to get
them there by 10:30. Now I take them to gymnastics 4 days a week and three of those says the class starts at 9:30 am. They haven't missed a class yet. : )
This July my husband and I were seriously considering having me committed
because I was so scared I was going to kill myself. He would sit up with me for hours listening to me cry and panic. And now I haven't thought about suicide in months. I don't even cry that much anymore.
Six months ago I kept a 1-800 abuse hotline number on my refridgerator
because I was so terrified that I was going to lose it with my kids someday. Mealtimes were awful, but now I understand that they are HUNGRY and need to eat and that they are imbalanced if meals or snacks are late. It takes such a huge burden off of my identity as a "failure" of a mother. The poor things just couldn't function well on my crazy sleep and eating schedules. Now when I hear them fight I look at the clock and it's almost always always close to snack time or a meal time.
And I haven't started an argument with my hubby in months, when we used to
argue constantly.
I know I did not just "will" any of those changes because I have been trying to "will" them for years. Years!
Ok, the program is working for me, and it is going o keep getting better!
And so far today I am on track and doing well.
Thanks all for your support and encouragement! I feel remotivated to keep
at it!
Maggie in ND
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**Recipe of the Week**
This is an all time comfort food and I just love it!
Kathleen's Macaroni and Cheese
4 servings
- 8 ounces uncooked brown rice pasta
- 1 1/2 cups sharp cheddar cheese, shredded
- 2 1/2 cups milk
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Cook pasta according to directions. Drain well and place in a 1 quart ovenproof mixing bowl.
- Add cheese to pasta. Combine well.
- Pour milk over pasta mixture.
- Bake 35-45 minutes, or until cheese sauce is bubbling and top of mixture is golden brown.
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**Your Last Diet: More Than What You Think**
It's funny. YLD has changed a lot in the last year. I was just reading posts from the classes. The Foundation folks are so settled and funny. The Weight Loss folks are clear, focused, happy and making huge connections and the Weight Loss in Action people are so funny and functional it cracks me up. They report all sorts of things and then say, 'Oh yah, by the way I have lost another 15 pounds.' And you know they were not that way when they started.
How do I convey this stuff...lose weight, get a life, be funny, but not right away? Work hard, throw away every diet thought you have had, readjust your thinking and blow your mind. Heh heh, it is a little hard to make a sound bite.
But do make sure you get in before our next class series. This is too good to miss.
Join now for the class to begin in January.
For those of you who are not yet YLD members, click here if you are ready to change your life or just plain ole have fun.
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**
David's Corner **
 |
Number 1.....SHAKE in all forms is HERE in my possession!!!!! Thank you all for you patience and humor in a most stressful time for me. Order your regular shake or george jr. now and get it immediately. |
Ok, so I need your help. Last week I was on the phone with Nordic Naturals and Kathleen got all excited about some of their new products. I was nervous about adding new products, but she assured me that you folks would LOVE them. Here is what we got:
Heart Synergy is a special formulation for people wanting to support heart health. I know Kathleen has been using the sample they sent us and said she likes it a lot.
ProEFA Junior is a great alternative for middle school aged children. Use the Kid's DHA for little ones and then move them to this one.
Cod Liver Oil for Pets is a new addition to our animal line. This will give you specific dosage information for both your dogs and cats. Kathleen gives this to all her dogs. They want the whole bottle but she is firm.
Please send questions and suggestions. I love hearing from you and truly want to help you do your program better.
