This is an exciting month for Good News, as I have the privilege and honor of introducing you to our new columnist, Andrea Roe! Andrea, we are SO glad to have you with us, and so looking forward to your insights in months to come!

An update - thanks to YOU, our collective I Have a Dream of a World FREE from Eating Disorders Petition of Hope to Congress to lobby for mental health parity is growing. If you haven't yet signed the petition, PLEASE consider weighing in on this important issue as part of your NEDAW contributions, and forwarding the petition on to your loved ones as well.

A long-awaited announcement - Key to Life is now offering MentorConnect, a forum to connect mentors and mentees to share the recovery journey together. In my own role as first a mentee and later as a mentor, I have gained profound insights into my own recovery process and inspiration to continue growing in recovery. I highly recommend it to all of you, whether you choose to participate as a mentor, or mentee, or both!

Oh, and before I forget - in support of NEDAW, I will be out and about quite a bit over the next few months. Be sure to check my Tour schedule to see when I might be in your area! Also, drop by my TOUR BLOG for the latest updates on my adventures!

For those of us whose lives are affected by eating disorders, February is the most important month of our year. National Eating Disorders Awareness Week falls during the last week of February each year. NEDAW is our New Year – the time when we can take an inventory of the past year’s worth of recovery work, make resolutions, pat ourselves on the back for progress made, and resolve to move forward with courage and perseverance into the future.......for complete article click HERE

Editorial NOTE: Lynn is working away at a special project this month and so we are replaying her wonderful article on working the Fourth Step. Traditionally considered to be a 'hot button' Step, it also provides limitless opportunity for true relief, release, growth and transformation. Lynn & I highly recommend it! :)

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 recover from these addictions and various eating disorders.....to read full column click HERE

To read more about Lynn, click HERE

Hi everyone and welcome to my column! :) I am excited to be a part of Shannon’s Good News E-Newsletter and am looking forward to sharing with you my experiences with eating disorders, body image issues and depression – and most importantly, my recovery....to read full column click HERE

To read more about Andrea, click HERE

I think I am finally starting to get caught up on all of your questions! 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 To Do When Inpatient Hasn't Helped
Q: hi... i saw your video on youtube and it was very inspirational. i am currently struggling with an ed...
A: Without knowing more details about what you mean by ‘hasn’t helped’, it is difficult ...to read full Q&A click HERE
The Role of Statistics in Recovery
Q: Your response to a question was that for every year of your disorder it can take 1-5 years ...
A: I can understand how this type of information might seem daunting ...to read full Q&A click HERE
Down a Dangerous Path
Q: I was recently diagnosed with a paralyzed stomach secondary to many years of severe anorexia...
A:Thank you for writing to let me know what is going on in your life. If you find inspiration ....to read full Q&A click HERE
Do I Really Have a Problem?
Q: i need help.im 16 years old and i been stuggling with bulimia and anorexia for a long time.....
A: The general rule of thumb is that, if you think you have a problem, you probably do....to read full Q&A click HERE
Finding Affordable Treatment
Q: How or where can I find help for my anorexia . I feel I need treatment to recover and cannot afford it. Any idea?
A: There are many options for finding help, and it is just unfortunate that....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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