Pouring rain
Aug 22, 2022,
 
Hi {!firstname_fix}, 
  What a day it has been. I online looking at resources  for doing some landscaping in my front yard. I looked up the woman who designed a plan for me when I first moved in. Yep, she is still here and still working so I called to ask if it would make sense to meet to talk about things she has learned since then. She agreed. I thought I would get a copy of her book and do some reading before we sat down for it. I learned that I could get the book from our local bookstore. For those of you who have been to Ranch in Albuquerque, it is the bookstore right next to Flying Star.
 
I haven't been there since the start of COVID. They were closed for a while and then I just haven't been out So its been a couple of years. I went over, they were open. Brody and I went in. I wept with the joy of BOOKS, real books. The smell, the feeling. real books. I bought some books, including the one about landscaping and one about sweetgrass. I I didn't mind giving them my money, I loved giving them money. I will say more about that below too.
 
The world feels as if things are returning to a balance. The picture above came from Maine. One of our mentors found a Monarch butterfly caterpillar. It is one the leaf there. She made a caterpillar refuge and has a number of them in her care now. They are making chrysallises and and have started to become butterflies. I have put a picture of what happens down at the bottom of the newsletter. It feels very sacred and sort of like a metaphor or what we are doing here.  
 
I will be talking more about that one the Step one list. This is who we are. The whole thing moves me.
 
Support for Your Program
Journals
COMMUNITY CONVERSATIONS
                                                                                   

 We have a master community email list. It is nice place to get started if you are new to the community or are coming back and are wondering what to do.  Introduce yourself and ask for help. Or just listen. We won't mind. The community is made up of a huge number of introverts which means LISTENING is held in high esteem. We will direct you to the right spot for your questions. It's fine if you know nothing, just stop in and you will be welcomed.

It is also the place to ask about things like what to do with your sugar intake in the afternoon while you are still on Step 1 and we won't open that discussion on the Step 1 list because we stick to the topic of learning how to do StepOne and won't talk about sugar LOL.    Join the Step One List now.

 

GROUPS
The groups list is up on the web site. Just sign up for the group you would like to join. Read about the group before you ask to join. If you are starting or returning, join the Step One list. Don't join Step One and Step Two and Step Three all at the same time. If you. have any trouble joining, send me an email at kathleen@radiantrecoverycom and we will get you all set.
 
CLASSES
Just starting the Step One class right now.  Here is a link to join. There is no fee for this class. We are starting today.
 
https://groups.io/g/radiantrecoveryclasses
Sign up here. 
 
JOIN US ON FACEBOOK
If you prefer talking on Facebook, come over to our group there. Radiant Recovery®, Our Facebook presence is primarily intended to be "social" and not so much for step support so be aware of that when you go over.
 
WORKING WITH KATHLEEN 
People have been asking for a long time how they might be able to work with me directly.  I provide individual one on one intensive coaching called Signature Coaching.  I can help you step out of the craziness of sugar addiction, return to steadiness and clarity after slipping away, slow down and focus on your recovery, or deepen a steady rhythm of recovery. This particular option is especially helpful if you did the steps a while ago and then kinda meandered away. Or if you are facing some intense times and would like skillful support. 
 
Or perhaps even more important if you are FINALLY serious about this wanting to work. I KNOW that the people who have worked with me directly don't have to thrash around for months in self discovery. We can pick up with your skills, sort of the things that get in your way and just progress to success.
 
This particular level of coach involves sharing your food journal and assessing where you are in the process on a whole different level.  It is a big step and an act of commitment because generally you are told "do not tell" how it really is and being honest and talking with someone shifts everything.
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     Signature coaching offers several options. Most people do a 90 day process that includes doing an in-depth assessment of where you are in the process, designing an individual plan for you and then talking with me once a week via phone or Zoom to work on your progress. You will learn to do an efficient journal and to identify your strengths and challenges.  
 
    Other people chose to do a month long intensive to get a sense of whether the process is suited to their style. And some people continue to work beyond the initial 3 months in special arrangements we work out for their budget and progress. All signature coaching starts with an initial assessment meeting at no charge to you. This time allows us to collaborate on the best way to work with your food and style. It also gives both of us an opportunity to assess readiness for the process.
   
    And in fact, we have developed some creative personalized plans especially suited to where people are in the program and what will work best to support them.You can go here to learn more about it.  Call 505-345-3737 if you would like more information. I am ALWAYS happy to talk to. you about options. And you have an option to do a free assessment to see if signature is right for both of us.
 
If you want to sign up, use our secure payment form. If you are requesting the preliminary free assessment please go ahead with this process and chose “assessment” from the drop down menu.

 

 

Testimonial for the Week

 

Some answers from Connie


 

I am only on step 1, but I have been trying to take a multi, decrease the refined sugars, and get the right amount of protein every day.


 

Step 1 only includes getting the right amount of protein and a complex carb within an hour of waking. If you put energy into the other things you slow yourself down and set yourself up for donuts! True fact.

 

Any one out there have any ideas on how to stop a binge.

 

Do the steps in order as written.


 It felt endless. And I am frightened by it.

 

Oh, that is just addiction being scary. Tell it, "oh poo on you and eat breakfast".

 

Maybe I am just hoping for too much, too soon.

 

Welcome to the club, many of us have done that. You can hope whatever you like - just do breakfast!


 

Connie 


 
Radiant Recovery Store
David Smiling
    David, my oldest son, runs our store. He makes sure your orders go out quickly and works with you to find the best things suited to where you are in your process.
 

  We are featuring the journal this week because Kathleen has just finished the Step Two: Journaling class. Use your new skills.

Come visit our STORE. Call 505-345-3737.
Omega 3 Gummies

 
The original and best Food Journal for doing the steps outlined in Potatoes Not Prozac.




Your Body Speaks
Your Last Diet: A Surprise Awaiting
Your Last Diet Book Cover

    After all this time YLD continues to be a favorite place for people in the community. If you struggle with your body image, if you have chased diets for years, here is a wonderful alternative to all the things you have tried.

Here is a quote from a YLD member:

    It has been quite a while since I checked in with you folks. It was not because I wasn't following the plan or had lost interest. Life was unusually stressful from early Dec to the present and I have been putting "stress management" at the top of my agenda. I continue to be absolutely in awe of what Kathleen has discovered. I feel I have found "my home" - a place where I feel at peace with my body. I weighed myself today for the first time in 2 months - I have lost 10-12 pounds since starting on this journey with you. And, more importantly, I feel so good in my body. I've read with interest what some of you have been saying about the loss of emotional energy around weight loss. This feeling of being OK with where I am now - no, not just OK, but radiant - is incredible.

***********************************************************************************

 

    If you are not a YLD member, come and join us. Click here if you are ready to change your life or just plain ole have fun. We have 2 YLD ZOOM. meetings each week as part of the offerings included in your membership. They are a time for connection and learning. We are looking at all sorts of intriguing ideas like "Why we crave chocolate and why some people don't" [it's genetic LOL].
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Sometimes It is the Little Things

Kathleen DesMaisons, PhD

 

   

 

We asked people what has changed since they started the program. I think you will love this list as much as I do. Print this list. Make your own list.I am adding enjoying roasting green chili in August.

 

I don't have to go into the handicap stall in the public restrooms. 

I can fit into almost any booth at restaurants. 

I am no longer defensive about my eating habits. 

I enjoy smells differently. 

I have more energy. 

I am able to love.

I feel God closer than ever. 

I have lots of new friends. 

I eat food for fuel. 

I celebrate the real meaning of the holiday. 

Just yesterday, I noticed that I have collar-bones. 

I smile. 

I wear two sizes smaller in shorts. 

I love my husband unconditionally now.

I really LIKE looking at flowers. 

I enjoy my granddaughter more every day. 

The sunsets are more magnificent than ever. 

I am able to listen in church with a calm understanding. 

I appreciate the air. 

I have been able to forgive. 

I don't have swelling in my ankles and legs anymore. 

My dogs don't aggravate me anymore. 

I don't smother when I lay down. 

My triple chin is now a double. 

I marvel at the whole Creation. 

I can think clearly. 

I am not embarrassed to swim in front of anyone. 

I no longer need a seat belt extender. 

I only weigh when I feel a loss. 

I thirst for knowledge and actually seek it. 

I have let go of some of my perfectionism. 

I no longer HAVE to have sugar after each meal. 

I read EVERY food label. 

I no longer beat myself up for a mistake, but go on learn about it. 

I WANT to grow old. 

I care more deeply for other people. 

I get a pedicure now and then. (used to be a big hangup) 

Negative control is not as strong as it used to be. 

I crave those cool evenings relaxing in my porch swing. 

I can fit in most wheelchairs. 

I don't have to have the largest hospital gown anymore. 

The birds chirping have become quite beautiful. 

I love eating "YLD Healthy Foods". 

I have become ONE with my local health food store. 

I am proud to answer "those questions" about my food plan. 

I love knowing that this programs works. 

I love helping my family understand about fuel for their bodies. 

I can hardly wait until the Christmas Season. 

I look at professionals w/admiration, instead of a threat.(hugehangup) 

I care about my fingernails.

I am much more organized in my housekeeping. 

I park farther from the store. 

I hum a lot. 

I WANT to exercise. 

I have learned it is ok to set goals. 

I no longer consider myself on a diet, but I am on a LIFE PLAN. 

The sun seems brighter. 

I can ASK for help without the guilt. 

I can see my feet when I stand or lie down. 

I no longer expect myself to fail with my weight loss. 

I can tie my shoes with out cutting off my oxygen supply. 

I can also tie my shoes in the middle of my shoe instead of to the side. 

I can say "no". 

I crave green things and feel good about it! 

I like cottage cheese. 

Fresh air makes me feel alive. 

I can cut my own toenails. 

I can wear a smaller bra size.... smaller panties too. 

I have so much more energy. 

I have less PMS. 

I don't worry about what people think about me. 

I don't feel helpless anymore. Even if things are not going my way or I have a slip, I know that I can help myself. 

Cinnamon is delicious without sugar. 

Corn is sweet. 

I wake up in the morning now (no more "10 snooze" mornings!). 

I look forward to my warm oat meal every morning. 

I don't hide "forbidden food" all over the house anymore. 

I don't sneak the wrappers out of the house so my husband doesn't see the evidence of last night's binge anymore. 

I wear shorts because I like my legs even though they haven't made it to their full recovery yet. 

I can fall asleep when I go to bed. 

I can play with my children after dinner since I no longer feel comatose from eating huge white meals. 

I feel *whole*, steady and real. 

I feel. 

I'm just plain happy and I can't put my finger on it. 

Things that would have freaked me out before don't anymore. 

Three months ago my protein was in my ice cream, wasn't it? 

I've figured out that this is about life changes, not just about food. 

I realize my life has more out of whack in it than just food". 

After fighting exercise and the journal so long, they have become incredibly important to me. Feel frantic if I've left my journal home. 

The journal is my home. 

I am a size smaller but have only lost a few pounds. 

The "girls" (my chest) are a size smaller. 

I love shopping at the health food store. Shoppers are so much nicer there than at sugar stores. 

I've gotten used to packing two meals a day. 

I am very slowly gaining confidence in handling the feelings that the bingeing covered. Feelings really won't kill me, they do pass and generally teach me something. Sometimes the journal helps me catch feelings before I binge them temporarily away. 

I have finally taken responsibility for my own life after feeling abandoned by others.

I no longer feel suicidal about turning 50 this Nov. Sometimes I feel that my life is just starting.

I have reduced my anti-depressants by 25% in agreement with my doctor. 

I don't feel dirty, worthless and physically ill from bingeing nearly as much. 

My office no longer does doughnut runs every afternoon. The communal chocolate drawer is gone. I don't miss either. 

My food slips are more often portion explosions that sugar/white binges. 

I think my fist is shrinking. (HA!) 

I have returned to my art hobby and am having a blast. 

I'm not afraid of going to a family reunion this Sept much heavier than the last reunion. 

I don't go shopping now unless I really NEED something. I think I used to go shopping to feel better (raise by BE's). 

My PMS symptoms have almost vanished. 

I actually enjoy wearing pants with a zipper. 

My migraines are gone - along with much of my fibromyalgia pain. 

I don't feel like I'm hanging on to life with my fingertips any more - I have a much firmer grasp - and it's good!!! 

I've gone through really tough times and had the clarity of mind to make wise and thoughtful decisions. 

I don't apologize for making my food needs known - I've gotten REALLY good in resturants (remember how Meg Ryan ordered in the movie "When Harry met Sally"?) 

I have reduced the amount of alcohol easily and don't crave it like I used to. 

 
 

This is Grace unfolding. You are not alone.
©2022 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. 

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