2008 is staring us in the face. Are we staring right back? What is going through your mind as you relinquish the last days of this year in favor of the one yet to come? For me, December is not only my birthday month and the biggest shopping month of the season (and boy do I hate shopping-all those choices!), but it is also annual 'inventory taking month' in my world. And I have to say that I am encouraged this year by the progress I see when I look back over my life in 2007. I wish the same encouraging thoughts and revelations for you!

So, to keep our resolve and momentum going strong, be sure to lend your voice to the I Have a Dream of a World FREE from Eating Disorders Petition (more on this below). And keep sending in your wonderful questions - I will answer them just as fast as I can!

Also, I will be traveling quite a bit in Spring 2008, so be sure to check my Tour schedule to see when I might be coming through your area! I hope to see you soon - until then, happy New Year!

I am turning 37 this month. I feel closer to 40 than I ever have before (hmmmm….wonder why). But I don’t let it get to me, because I can look back at a time in my life not so long ago and remember when birthdays, like every other day, were all about the food...or lack thereof. These days, however, birthdays are all about the friends, the family, the festivities.

Case in point - the first of many events to celebrate the advent of my 37th year was to happen this past Saturday night. The night kicked off with a party, and continued at a new local hotspot. Fun, fun, fun!

But I wasn’t there.......for complete article click HERE

Shannon has generously asked me to share my experience, strength and hope around working the 12 Steps of recovery in a series of Good News articles. Before beginning this one, I want to clarify that these articles are based on my experience, both in personal recovery from alcoholism and codependency, and as a sponsor helping others....to read full Editorial click HERE

To read more about Lynn, click HERE

The questions just continue to pour in. If you do not see the answer to your question this month, please be patient and know that I will answer each question in the order it is received....your questions are the backbone of the recovery process, and are my PRIORITY each month!

What is Normal?
Q: Is it normal during recovery to feel like you’re just in a daze....
A: Just the fact that you are so aware of newfound changes to your past daily state tells me that you are in some kind of transition process. ...to read full Q&A click HERE
Daily Routine
Q: What is your daily routine like? do you meditate, etc?
A: Well, I used to have a very firm, fixed daily routine. ...to read full Q&A click HERE
How To Stop Harming Your Body
Q:Hi. I saw your video on you tube. I need help.
A: You are right, you know. You don’t need to harm your body this way, and ....to read full Q&A click HERE
Tips for How to Fight ED
Q: hi can you help me?? im in england i just need sum tips and support on how to get better!
A: Well, it is hard for me to offer you specific tips without knowing exactly what your issue is….to read full Q&A click HERE
Understanding the Purpose of Food
Q: I have twin daughters who are collegiate cheerleaders....
A: The issue we face in our culture is that food has been elevated to a status far beyond ...to read full Q&A click HERE
Mother/Daughter ED
Q: I am a 37 year old mother suffering with an ED. Now it seems my 12-year-old daughter is showing signs too.
A: You can help her BY helping yourself. The common parenting fallacy . ...to read full Q&A click HERE
Choosing Recovery
Q: Hi Shannon, I was watching a thing on you tube about eating disorders, and a clip of you came on about MK....
A: The first piece of advice I would give you is to seek a second opinion about your need. ...to read full Q&A click HERE

We are launching an exciting new venture to lend support to the vital work the Eating Disorders Coalition for Research, Policy & Action (EDC)is doing to make eating disorders a public health priority through the U.S. Congressional Hearings for Mental Health Parity..

By signing the 'I Have A Dream' of a World FREE from Eating Disorders Petition, and sharing your dream with the EDC, public policy makers, and others who struggle, we all become immeasurably STRONG in our resolve to fight until eating disorders no longer leave their deadly mark on our lives, our families and our communities. Lend your voice by signing the petition today - then PASS IT ON!

REPRINTS: You may reprint any of the content found in Good News in your own ezine or website. Simply send an email requesting permission by clicking HERE. Please be sure to include the full Key to Life bio box at the end of any reprint, as follows:

Shannon Cutts is known as a compassionate and charismatic advocate of our right to feel good about ourselves, our bodies and our lives. Reaching out to students, youth, parents, educators, healthcare professionals, and communities, her unique and powerful Key to Life programs bring personal transformation and life fulfilment into sharp and exciting focus. As the author of Letters to a Young Anorexic: Recovering the Lost Art of Mentoring in the Age of Eating Disorders, Shannon has dedicated her life to 'bringing healthy back' into the lives of families at home and around the world. Visit www.key-to-life.com to learn more!

 

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