Radiant Recovery® Newsletter #786

Artisanal heirloom tomatoes in a basket at the market

Welcome to Radiant Recovery®

Dec 9, 2018,

Hi {!firstname_fix},

I have spent a lot of time this week sitting down by the nature center where the Sand Hill Cranes are fattening themselves up for winter. The Center plants grain for them and the word is out among the birds. I love how they all collaborate. Some are scouts and keep watch, some just eat. They are watching in that picture that Allison took. Sometimes they scrabble over a particular choice spot. I sit with my coffee and just listen to the music of it all and watch the sun rise over the mountains.

We are still doing the reflections class. You can still sign up below.

I have put the information up for Radiant Ranch if you want to check it out.

Remember if you have ideas or input for us on what you would like to have available, share them on the Community Forum. We do listen and are very interested in your ideas.

Support for Your Program

COMMUNITY FORUM

Share with others, ask questions, explore everything and anything about your program without a charge. A great place for newcomers.

GROUPS

Learn the steps, get fit safely, learn creative program cooking, learn about depression, learn with parents, share in local areas. There is no charge for groups.

Sign Up for Groups

CLASSES

Radiant Reflections

A special class we do each year to remember what this time of year is about. It is a way for us to connect to the light in the darkness. I think this year, the practice and the message of this class is particularly appropriate. You are all invited to join regardless of your religious tradition or background. Love to have you. It is very settling.

If you joined last year, you do not need to sign up again.

Join this class

WORKING WITH KATHLEEN

I feel very strongly about offering you a way to work with me directly. I have set up a whole range of options for you to do that - going from private coaching to being involved in small groups. This link will show you all the choices.

Coaching Apprentice is open to people on steps 1-3 who are starting their program.

Signature Coaching is for those who want to work individually with Kathleen in a 90-day process. Signature is the top of the line. All who have done it talk about their lives being changed.

Another option is setting up a one hour assessment and then making a decision based on that conversation. And you can always call 505-345-3737 and ask me about how each one works.

"Remember that you are literally learning a new language. You are going to have to practice to become fluent in body talk."

Testimonial of the Week

Kath is in Perth. Don't be confused. She is doing summer while we have winter (smile)

Well actually I never left, but haven't had much time to write lately.

I have finished a 4 week stint of relief work in the school library. I and a volunteer have completed a full stocktake of the entire collection that children can borrow, reconciling what is on the shelves to what is on the computer catalogue, and removing from the catalogue all the items that have gone missing. Everything is ready for the end of the school year and summer holidays This has been a mammoth task.

The library lady I was relieving came back to work today. I handed back over to her and I am (relatively) free. She was fine with the changes I had made that other staff were apprehensive of her reaction to. I was bold, and confident, fully doing the task I was employed to fill, making policy decisions and prepared to wear their consequences. I have learned new things about the computer system and was teaching the librarian this morning when she came back and I handed over. My energy and enthusiasm was steady, as was my sense of humour. I have completed a stocktaking report for the principal, and walked away free.

Clear boundaries allow me to leave, with no regrets or lingering. My daughter leaves primary school now, and I have said that although I am available for paid relief work, I am not going to volunteer at the school next year when I have no children there.

Compare all of this with 5 years ago.

I was having panic attacks, we had recently moved to the city and I felt permanently overwhelmed. I volunteered covering books in the school library where I had a quiet table in a secluded corner by myself, and could leave when I had enough. I gradually got more confident, and stayed for longer. After a while I learned some things about the computer system and catalogue, and was able to do things on days the librarian was not there. When she went on leave, they paid me to fill in for her. This year I have worked about 1/4 of the school year, earned money, proved to myself that I can manage working part time away from home.

What a difference doing the food makes.

Kath

David still smiling

This is David DesMaisons, your Radiant Recovery® Concierge

Come visit our STORE. Call 505-345-3737 if you have questions.
David, the store manager, is always happy to help.

I am putting in George's® Restore again because it is such a life saver this time of year!

George's Restore

Latkes

carrots waiting to be scrubbed and cooked

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

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.

Come over to our recipe blog for more ideas

Visit the Recipe Page

Radiant Living

Radiant Living is geared to looking at Step 7 issues. I am in the process of the revision of Potatoes not Prozac and am adding a fair amount of information on *radiant living* which is really Step 7. This is where we are looking at a Step 7 life with all its quirks. This means feelings, healing old trauma and remodeling our bodies.

Find Radiant Living here

Your Last Diet!

Your Last Diet Book Cover

I just want to lose weight. Is this the right place for me?
It is the best place in the world for you. Most important, we will help with what we call *fat terror* that pervades every part of who you are. I referred to fat terror in the new book. My editor asked me to define it.

Fat terror is a profound cellular fear about becoming fat, staying fat, getting fatter or always being fat. This is not about wanting to lose a few pounds or to be slimmer for the sake of vanity. It runs way deeper than that. It is about being told you are bad, inadequate, less than because of your body shape. It is about being made invisible because of your body size. Or being discounted out of hand regardless of how smart, creative or brilliant you are. When fat terror is added to an out of balance sugar sensitive body, it becomes a deadly motivator about the determinant of success. Much of what the steps do is designed to end the reign of fat terror and then unleash the creative heart before the weight loss.

I am just starting the steps. Does it make sense to join now?

Yes, it does. We have found that the people who come to chats do the best with the steps. The connection in chat is awesome. You get a chance to talk with the old timers, you can ask questions and I am right there to guide you, It really is an incredible opportunity.

We are having a great time in chat. During December we will talk about staying steady during the holidays. If you haven't come to chat, look in the YLD files for the guide to getting there. We would love to see you.

If you are not a member yet, come and join us. If you are a current member and want to join us in the new chat room, come to the landing page. We will send you the pass words after you join.

If you would like to join us in YLD, come find us here.

smiling faces

What is Radiance

written by our community members

Radiance is

Loving the fact that I have my kids extra days because their dad is out of town and not being mad at their dad for not spending more time with them.

Loving all of the different bulbs coming up in my gardens at home and at work and not stressing over the weeds that are there too.

Enjoying the Foundation list and not worrying about whether or not I know what I am talking about.

Calmly sitting here at my computer while DH does house work and not feeling guilty.

Vicki

Radiance is

Sitting in a business computing class tonight being taught something WAY over my head. And the woman who was next to me did something totally off the planet wrong and looked over at me. The look on her face was priceless, and I burst out laughing and couldn't stop. I was finding it hilarious how confused the two of us were. lol

Ben

Radiance is

Spending 30 minutes watching 2 puppies eat each other and thinking the world is all right.

Getting up BEFORE dawn and hearing BIRDS.

Spending 30 minutes each morning writing about how full of meaning my life is.

Kathleen

Radiance is

Waking up to a warm morning in early spring and feeling the sun directly on your skin because you don't need a coat.

Wiggling puppies who are excited to see you, no matter how little or long you were apart.

Logging onto your computer and realizing you have friends standing by you 24 hours a day.

Tackling problems at work, instead of finding ways to avoid them.

Taking a jog through the US Capital and smelling the freshly bloomed cherry blossoms.

Heather

Radiance is

Seeing my children's faces.

Driving my car each morning on my way out into the world, facing the sun and feeling grateful for another day

Finding that peaceful place inside myself no matter what else is happening in the world.

Being with my family and friends.

Seeing baby ducklings peek out, one by one, from underneath their mother's breast.

Seeing some old friends for lunch.

Feeling grateful and present for my life.

A great dream I sometimes have where I see my childhood dog, Buffy, running happily toward me through a flowered meadow.

Stephanie

Radiance is

Sitting in the middle of the floor with 15 kitties all tunneling around each other wanting to be loved, petted, and adored, which of course is wonderful.

Lying in bed when my cat Shamariah crawls up on my chest and puts both paws on my cheeks wanting me to kiss them.

Walking on the beach with children playing, seagulls scampering about, and waves crashing against the rocks, reminding me that there really is a 'bigger picture'.

Being out on the ocean waves on my surfboard feeling the strength and smoothness of the 'ride', and realizing that it's all for fun.

What I described in my Radiance poem:

RADIANCE

Indescribable,

A place of serenity and peace in the midst of storms,

Like the power of the ocean,

Yet the gentleness of a stream,

It permeates through,

Every molecule of my being.

Adventurous,

Leaving behind the old and boldly entering the new,

Like the energy of a butterfly,

Breaking free from its cocoon,

It wraps itself around me,

And I am finally free.

Radiance.

Patti

Radiance is

Sitting in Wendy's and watching the looks on children's faces as a man makes them balloon animals.

Playing on a swing in the park.

Watching and laughing at two little birds walking on the floor in the middle of K-Mart, then chasing each other on the shelves behind the paper goods.

A quick trip to the zoo at lunch time on a sunny day.

Being able to make a difference in this community and supporting others in their quest for radiance.

Sue

Radiance is

Feeling strong and powerful and empowered to embrace life as it comes and being confident that obstacles can be overcome.

Having the courage to tackle a huge project and maintain perspective and optimism.

Turning off the TV when the news comes on.

Sitting quietly and connecting with the energy of the universe.

Noticing and rejoicing for the hundreds of beautiful and marvelous gifts that come to us from nature and our family and friends each day.

Love and peace and gratitude and connection.

Sheila

Radiance is

Praying every morning and thanking God for life.

Getting all warm and tingly inside over my first daffodil bud.

Trying to see the good in evil people.

Taking in love others give me.

Buying nice clothes no matter what size my body is.

Wanting to look pretty every day.

Appreciating people in my life I once took for granted.

Taking care of my medical needs even if it means having to get on a scale at the doctor's office.

Loving myself for the first time in my life.

Sandy B.

Radiance is

Noticing and appreciating the "little" changes (like putting syrup out for the rest of the family to use on pancakes and have EVERYONE pass it by).

Being able to accept help without feeling guilty or the need to repay.

Knowing just what will be for breakfast tomorrow morning - and loving it! (my shake).

Not stressing over the daily chores of life (dishes, laundry, paying bills).

Taking time to read a book.

Making decisions thoughtfully instead of emotionally.

Celebrating my life, all 50 years, in a new and exciting way (and getting a new kitchen out of the celebration!)

A sense of peace.

Liz

Radiance is

My body only wanting water to drink.

Feeling unconditional love from my granddaughter.

Having the dream of going to Ranch fulfilled.

Reading my soon-to-be-3-year-old grandaughter Sesame Street books that were her mothers'.

Tearing down old emotional walls.

"Doing the food" automatically.

Reading your posts as I sip on my George's Shake every morning.

Attending Wednesday night chats only to learn even more about our bodies and being thankful to have found such wonderful support.

Watching the rain falling slowly on brown grass changing it to green.

Waking each morning to a wet, black, cold, dachshund nose in front of my face and accepting my smile and then rolling on his back to be scratched as he stretches in ecstasy.

Experiencing so many "aha" moments because of this program.

Lovingly, Linda F

Here is the Annie Lane column that brought so many of you here.

Dear Annie: I read with interest the letter from "Weird, Stupid or Selfish?" – whose husband eats all the decorative candy she puts out. His inability to resist sugar resonated with me, as I have sugar sensitivity and have engaged in exactly the same behaviors. I simply could not resist sugar.

After years of struggling and dieting and sitting in work meetings obsessing about the doughnuts instead of the topic at hand, I discovered the book "Potatoes Not Prozac," by Kathleen DesMaisons. Her theory is that people who are sugar sensitive have brains that respond differently to sugar, alcohol and refined carbs and that what they eat and when they eat it have a huge effect on them. She shows how to rebalance blood sugar levels, serotonin and beta-endorphins through small lifestyle changes and offers the latest research, free online support and seven steps to change your life. It is not about willpower; it’s about biochemistry, which her program can slowly improve, just one tiny step at a time, with amazing results.

I have been sugar-free for six years now, lost 25 pounds and never gained any of it back. I can go to dinner with family and don’t even think twice when someone orders dessert. I don’t have cravings, and sugar is no longer on my radar. I am more focused and more tolerant, and the daily mood swings are gone. The woman who wrote to you could suggest to her husband that he check out http:// radiantrecovery.com to see whether he does have sugar sensitivity. At the very least, she would be better informed about this condition. – Happy Without Sugar

Dear Happy Without Sugar: I hadn’t considered that health issues might explain
her husband’s behavior. In fact, I hadn’t even heard of sugar sensitivity.
Thanks for opening my eyes to the condition! I’d like to encourage all readers to talk to their doctors if they find themselves compulsively eating sugary snacks.
—Email questions to dearannie@creators.com

ANNIE LANE

©2018 Kathleen DesMaisons. All rights reserved. You are free to use or transmit this article to your blog 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 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 will also be found posted on the web.