December 5, 2011

Hi {!firstname_fix}

This week has been a joy for me in working with the rescue dogs. I have one old, tubby guy who has the sweetest personality, and one younger bright-eyed little girl who loves life and loves the big, old one. She trots around after him, he licks her face and she smiles. It has been getting colder here, so yesterday my handyman set up the kennels to have electricity. They loved having warmth in the kennel and snuggled in together last night. I had placed another dog last week as well. The owner lost her house, moved in with her mom, and they couldn't afford the big apartment so were moving to a smaller one. They had to give up their dogs. I asked a friend to foster one of them because I knew they were dog people. And then they emailed and said, 'Well, we would like to keep him.' So it is one less dog going to the shelter and being killed because he had no one pick him. Sometimes, we do small things, just the things we can and it simply makes a tiny difference.

These classes will begin Wednesday, December 7, 2011. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:

Radiant Step 2: Introduction (2 weeks) - will teach you the basics of journaling. The class will give you step by step instructions in how to record your food and feelings in a way that gets you excited.

Radiant Step 5 (2 weeks) - is one of our favorites. Learn the art of whole grains. Get lots of information that you won't find anywhere else. I picked the brains of one of the world's leading *brown* experts for this class.

Weight Loss Emotions (2 weeks) - A class for people who are ready to look at emotional issues of being overweight. You must be steady on at least step three to take this class..

This class will begin Wednesday, December 14, 2011. Please click on the name of the class and it will take you to the registration page:

Holy Night Reflections (1 week or so) - is our annual reflection on the meaning of light in the darkness. This is a free class, my gift to the community. We would love to have you join us. If you have never done this class, sign up for it. It will change everything.

There will be no classes beginning Wednesday, December 21, 2011.

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 **


The more you journal, the more intrigued you will become to hear the story your body wants to share. Listen deeply for the miracle.

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** Testimonial of the Week **


Hi All, An amazing thing happened yesterday that I just have to share. I observed that our mornings seemed to be emotionally-charged lately, although our food was steady, the mornings were just becoming hectic and unhappy.

After breakfast yesterday I talked about this with my children (10, 9 and 7). Instead of coming down on them with a list of disappointments and consequences, I shared my observations and asked them to do the same.

Then, I asked them to come up with some solutions. They had some great ideas which we implemented today. Our morning was much smoother and we talked about this at breakfast again. I thanked them for their solutions and willingness to work at this, and we all felt great.

I realize that I was able to work with the children in this way because my food is steady. I am much more clear-thinking than I used to be. I am able to remove my emotions from tough situations and talk lovingly with my children to come up with solutions.

As a result, the children follow my lead and keep their emotions in check, as well. When they need to cry, I wrap my arms around them and help them work through it without becoming upset myself.

When I am at peace, it brings my children peace. Doing the food has brought us to a much more joyful and happy place.

Well, one of the problems was the morning scramble for what to wear, (I'm sure you parents know what I mean, lol!), so my 7 yo daughter suggested that we choose 5 days' worth of clothes and have the outfits ready to go. No looking for ties, belts, shoes or socks this morning!

Another problem was bickering about morning chores. My 9 yo son worked with my other son and daughter to divide the chores up so that there would be no questions about who was going to do what.

We talked about the noise in the morning...the volume can get high if the kids are talking from upstairs to downstairs. My 10 yo son recommended that we can focus better on what we need to get done in the morning if we keep the volume at a normal level by waiting to talk until you're with the person you're talking to!

We didn't have any problems with getting our proteins and browns on time, or getting out of the house on time, so I did thank them for these skills as we worked on the solutions.

Finally, the kids came up with a morning routine that they posted on the wall so that they don't miss anything. It goes like this:

Wake up
Eat a protein and brown
Make bed
Do chores
Get dressed & brush teeth
Smile, you're ready for the day!

It seems like simple stuff, but allowing the kids to come up with the solutions was really empowering to them and made for a much more peaceful morning today. Being steady on the food gave me the sense of well-being and clear-thinking to guide the kids through their own solution-making process. Doing the food continues to heal and strengthen us!

Amy

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** Radiant Ambassadors **


A couple of weeks ago I wrote about a mainstream television program in the UK called The Food Hospital where they treat symptoms with food - I think I might have heard of that concept before!

So I emailed them asking if they were going to cover sugar addiction/sensitivity as changing my own food had made an enormous difference to me. I had a lovely response telling me that they were not aware of it being covered by the program but that my suggestion had been noted 'for the information of those responsible for programming'.

Oh, and I offered to help out should they need it. You never know.

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 to all - My name is Judy - I am 58 yrs of age - living in central Saskatchewan, Canada. I am a recovering alcoholic - on November 18 I celebrated 9 years of sobriety. However, in that time I have gained 50 lbs and struggled with depression, isolation and escaping with food/sugar. I've known for some time that I just switched addictions. Discovered the book "Potatoes not Prozac" at a conference about 5 years ago - and immediately identified with it - but have not been able to put it into action. I am looking forward to learning more about Radiant Recovery and hopefully can find the motivation to start and commit to the program. It's great to know that I am not alone in this struggle. Best Wishes to all.

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** Radiant Recovery® Store **


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

For those of you who are thinking about Christmas, I always like offering you a special service this time of year. I can put together a Christmas stocking for you filled with store goodies. If you will send me a note with what you would like to include, I will wrap it and put it in a stocking and send it off for you. Include what to put in a card, and I can do that as well.

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 **


I love posting these delicious latke recipes from Gail, they truly are delicious. 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 **


This week we will be talking about weight loss during the holidays - such an outrageous idea! We also are working on what we can do to support commitment and joy in the process no matter what.

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.

As my new book is shaping up, I am having fun putting together the concepts that we have developed over the last few years. I will be sharing some of these in chats and we can be talking about them on the list. I hope you will come 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 **


The Radiant Movement list is for people who want to start moving again and to baby step into a regular exercise program. If you can remember how much fun it was to move when you were a child and you've lost that, the Movement list is the perfect place for you. And, if you don't remember, we'll help you rediscover it. There are some wonderful people on the list who will share their stories and help you explore different options to form a movement plan that works for you.. We are enthusiastic about our own exercise, but we also understand first hand how hard it was to start and to baby step into regular movement. It's a great list; come join us.

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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**It is Not the Rules That Count **
Kathleen DesMaisons, Ph.D.



Yesterday I went Christmas shopping. I went to the store that sells Dungeons and Dragons to talk with them about an introductory game to give my grandson who is 13. I expected it to be sort of gothic and scary. It wasn't at all. The guy behind the counter told me that he had started playing as a teen. He was raised in a Southern Baptist household that was very conservative. His mother had burned his books as being from Satan. Of course he still played. Then many years later, his younger brother who is 16 years younger got to be a teen and wanted to learn. His mom called him for a consult. They all played together and had a wonderful time.

We decided on an introductory game for Andrew. And then he said maybe I should get the rule book as well. I noticed that there was a rule book bundled with a Dungeons and Dragons for Dummies. I thought, AHA, I could get that and then I could play with him. I thought it was a board game. The guy explained that it is really about story telling. So, off I went with my treasures in the turquoise plastic bag. Not black, and no scary symbols.

When I got home, I sent an IM to Jim. Jim is a grand master in the D&D system. I don't really know specifically but I know he goes to conventions and wins prizes. I asked him if this was an ok thing to be doing or if I would get in trouble with my daughter. He said, "No, no it is wonderful. It is all about stories and characters." I said, "Oh, like imaginative play for guys?" He said, "Yah."

I told him that I looked at the rule book and it was a little intimidating. I wasn't sure that I could learn it. But then I thought it was sort of like the program. When we start, it feels incomprehensible with all the nuances and details. But we just start with one thing and learn that. And then learn the next.

The Jim said,"Just remember, Kathleen , it is not the rules that are important, it is the story."

Well, that just about knocked my socks off.

I think that is true for the program too.

In the last few weeks, we have been talking in leadership about what doing a fine program means. We have been talking and talking about this on our leadership team list. And people have been sorting out what step 7 means, what quality program means.

But when Jim said that..."it is not the rules, it is the story"....everything clicked.

The story...the recovery story. What is the quality of my life? How are my relationships? What is happening with my creativity? Is my program a joy, a support, nourishing and delightful? Does the habituation support me? Do I want skill, grace and excellence?

Now, I know that this idea is a little different from what some of you have felt the PROGRAM is. But I want you to consider that THE program is not a monolithic mandate. It is a guidance for YOU to determine what works for you. It is an invitation, an invitation to discover your story, your story with food.

I know we will keep talking about this. I also know that the ability to tolerate ambiguity is one of the things that grows as we do. If the *rules* are not the issue, but the story is, it makes it way harder. Because then you have to listen to your own story and stand with it.

It is not the rules, it is the story.


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.



©2011 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/