Welcome
This is the kitchen where we talk about food, life, and recovery—a spiritual path to healing and peace.

Invitation
You are invited to keep coming back to A Cup of Kindness to share your experience, strength and hope; fears, doubts and insecurities; and to pick up information, inspiration … and have a little fun!

My story
In January 2007, at the age of 51, I joined a 12-step program and began my recovery from food addiction, losing 75 pounds in the process. Read more…

In January 2011, at the age of 55, I began my recovery from a multi-trauma accident, 36 fractures, damaged lungs, and post traumatic stress. Read more…

I am deeply grateful for all the kindnesses, large and small, offered to me in recovery. Here I am... alive… still making progress … still not perfect … finding a new way forward in a growing community of women and men who share a lot in common around food and life.

I hope you'll join me in this kitchen and let me know what's cooking with you.

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Contact Us

Greetings!

Thank you for your interest in A Cup of Kindness. Your Comments on the Posts and your emails here to Contact Us are great ways to deepen the conversation. I will always do my best to respond in a timely fashion.

Love & Light,

Valerie

 

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66 Comments to Contact Us

  1. January 18, 2012 at 4:51 am | Permalink

    Your site is wonderfully gentle and welcoming. It does feel very much like I’m sitting in your kitchen and having a quiet and joyful conversation with you. As I’m writing this, I feel your gentle and smiling presence.
    I LOVE your salads. They will be a great addition to our table.
    Count on me as a regular visitor.
    If I can support you in any other way, please let me know.

  2. January 18, 2012 at 6:37 am | Permalink

    Valerie,

    What a wonderful and beautiful gift this website is. I recall us talking about the site but I had no idea you had it all in motion … just fantastic. I hope it is not too corny coming from me to heat that I am so very proud of you.

    You inspire me.

    Love and Light and more love and more light,
    -R

  3. LaVette's Gravatar LaVette
    January 18, 2012 at 8:42 am | Permalink

    🙂

  4. dana's Gravatar dana
    January 18, 2012 at 12:30 pm | Permalink

    So beautiful! Just like you, dear one. I love you. <3

  5. Elayne Bond Hyman's Gravatar Elayne Bond Hyman
    January 18, 2012 at 12:57 pm | Permalink

    “menus and meditations on a weighed and measured life”…love the misssion statement. You are a living breathing miracle because you daily choose to find the good in all things. May the Creator continue to bless you. Aho!

  6. LaDawna's Gravatar LaDawna
    January 18, 2012 at 4:17 pm | Permalink

    Wonderful! Thank you for sharing your story (really, your stories!) Even though you say that you feel you have lost part of you, the you that was the helper (the nurse, the leader, even the 7th floor safety officer) here you are sharing your feelings, your struggles and – of course because you are Valerie – concrete helpful information with others. See, you are still helping others, after all.

    • patricia lee's Gravatar patricia lee
      February 1, 2012 at 12:21 pm | Permalink

      I think you do lose a part of yourself in trauma. but wherever there is a void, something else will fill it up. What is lost will become something else. The challenge is to make that new part a positive reflection of your experience. That can be difficult when the trauma is great. A friend once told me, you are given these experiences because you are the one meant to teach how to survive them so others can benefit. I had to sit with that one for a while. I am learning how to read the reflection of life’s events in the feng shui of a home and birth charts and with that, learning how to share that info in a positive way. the feng shui and birth charts each impact 1/3 of your life’s equation. the final third is your decision making. with that, your free will makes a huge difference. love you valerie!

  7. Terri Premo-Peaphon's Gravatar Terri Premo-Peaphon
    January 19, 2012 at 7:57 pm | Permalink

    What a great way to share your love and experiences with many. I have enjoyed reading and am sharing the blog widely. You are such a strong and inspiring person. Thanks for being you and being so willing to share with all of us. You are truly amazing. Keep up the good work!

  8. Alyson Wolvin's Gravatar Alyson Wolvin
    January 21, 2012 at 3:54 pm | Permalink

    A truly amazing website, thank you for sharing your heart and stories. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading it and have been touched by every word. I whole heartedly agree with Terri, you are such an amazing, strong, and inspiring person. I consider myself blessed to know you. May you continue to grow, heal and spread love and hope. You are truly an inspiration to all…an overflowing cup of kindness!

  9. Roberta Brenner's Gravatar Roberta Brenner
    January 23, 2012 at 10:20 am | Permalink

    I love the website. I have already shared it with many friends, and will continue to do so. I plan to check in regularly. Its a great suppport. Be well. xoxo Roberta

  10. Karen Larsson's Gravatar Karen Larsson
    January 29, 2012 at 6:31 pm | Permalink

    Thank you for sharing your life journey with us. It means a lot to have a calm place to go and find comfort and inspiration.

  11. patricia lee's Gravatar patricia lee
    February 1, 2012 at 12:54 pm | Permalink

    Valerie,
    I think I understand now what you mean.

    Here is what I would say.

    I have had some health issues where my doctor ORDERED me to exercise DAILY. I didn’t think that was doable, and it seemed self indulgent. After reading some of the stories here, I realized how I should relish just being able to do it and get over the mental laziness and whining. My son suggested I go to the Acro Yoga class with him at his Jiujitsu school. I went along because I wanted to bond with him and because he is alive (he had a life threatening accident and the doctors say medically, it is a miracle he is here. For this I give thanks and pray often). I had never heard of AcroYoga and thought it was some mild form of pulling and stretching. I was faintly surprised when I showed up and discovered what it was. I was convinced there was NO WAY I was going to be able to do it. Most everyone was in their 20’s and 30’s. I am 60 so it seemed crazy. I had fear of falling. It turned out, the teachers are very supportive and giving. And strong too. With their help and spotting, they taught me some amazing moves and flow, I never thought was possible at my age. Yoga has all these not obvious health benefits and every pose does something to strengthen you internally and keep your organs functioning. I discovered that the inversions (anything where your head is lower than your heart) is extremely good for the brain. The balancing moves can extend your life for 10 years. Merely, because many older people fall because they do not have balance. The recovery is slow and can quickly deteriorate the body and spirit. So now I’m flying and being upside down!! Valerie asked me to post this and she will put up the video of what I just learned! Bless all of you for your strength and love you extend to others. BTW, I have learned to become a really good cook over the past few months!

  12. Myra Tate's Gravatar Myra Tate
    February 12, 2012 at 2:42 pm | Permalink

    Dearest V, I have read all you have written and all the responses you have received, and I am overcome! As always, I find your description of your food and how it fits so satisfyingly into your life, inspiring and very tempting! The journey we are taking with you through your terrible accident, your long arduous treatment and your ongoing recovery makes me realize even more fully, what you and those like you who have been so badly injured in war, are living through. Knowing you as I do, I believe you have the strength and courage it takes to forge a new life after such a traumatic event What you are doing in A Cup of Kindness is very important. You are showing us how to live. thank you, m

  13. February 12, 2012 at 4:39 pm | Permalink

    This is a fabulous blog! Thank you, Valerie! You write beautifully and explain your program so very well. Bill and I are thinking about doing more vegetarian meals for health reasons. Thank you for your suggestions.
    Love, Beverly

  14. Sandy Siman's Gravatar Sandy Siman
    February 12, 2012 at 4:43 pm | Permalink

    Hi Valerie,

    It was really wonderful to see you this morning and to tell you in person how much I love A cup of Kindness. You are such an inspiration to me and this blog is wonderful and, as your mom says, you are showing us how to live. I read it often. I was one of the ones who asked after your mom. Give her a hug from me.

  15. Rachel Stein's Gravatar Rachel Stein
    April 3, 2012 at 11:59 am | Permalink

    Valerie,

    Loved meeting you at Melanie and Barry’s. I hope to see you again soon. Your blog is FABULOUS!!! I am loving reading each part slowly and really savoring it all. Thank you for sharing and being so inspirational!!!!

    Rachel

  16. april's Gravatar april
    April 10, 2012 at 2:25 pm | Permalink

    Dear Valerie,

    First of all, I need to ask your pardon for my broken English.
    My neighbor, Myra, the elegant lovely lady, who brought me to your beautiful web blog , which full of love and light. I am so touched by just reading your insights of your life.
    I will spend more time to explore your blog and would love to learn more from you when my strength gets better (assuming Myra briefed you about my health already).

    Thank you for sharing
    God bless you.

    April

  17. Francesca's Gravatar Francesca
    May 9, 2012 at 9:57 am | Permalink

    Hey Valerie,
    I love your blog! Please add me as a subscriber.
    Blessings!

  18. July 30, 2012 at 9:32 pm | Permalink

    Hi Valerie,
    We did not manage to get together the last round. Want to try again? I will be there 8/7-8/23. We will baptize baby Royce. Let me know if you will be around.

    Would you be ok with adding me to your blogsroll? I am in process of all this so intend to get to that on my new site also and would like to add your blog.

  19. dana's Gravatar dana
    August 21, 2012 at 2:13 pm | Permalink

    Valerie, I have deleted my FB acct and just wanted to make sure you have my only email addy. Love,
    d.

  20. Ruth B's Gravatar Ruth B
    October 24, 2012 at 3:41 pm | Permalink

    Hello Valerie,

    My friend Catherine C has introduced me to your website . Perhaps I can benefit and receive insight into the world of recovery from you. Maybe my story may help someone. Please le & t me know if you are interested. I am a sober alcoholic for the past 3 years 4 months. I feel as if I am not living up to my recovery. The need to become more active with others is huge but I seem to be stuck and cannot start my motor. I am also a cancer survivor (13 years) and have just completed surgery, chemo for another recurrence which started this past May,. Currently I am still healing and waiting for test results. I need to move on and past Me in order to help others. Your suggestions will be welcomed.
    Thank you
    Ruth

  21. Ruth B's Gravatar Ruth B
    October 24, 2012 at 3:44 pm | Permalink

    Hi Valerie
    I hope you received my message. Catherine C gave your name and website infor. I do hope we can get together by phone or email.
    Ruth
    301-345-5563

  22. Teddy's Gravatar Teddy
    November 22, 2012 at 4:26 am | Permalink

    How wonderfully timed to be referred to you……on Thanksgiving Day…..I am forever grateful that Alison has facilitated this meeting. I am participating in an OA Marathon today at
    St Chas in Arl, VA…..however, I most need your light …..experience, strength and HOPE ….when not at meetings….plus interestingly creative recipes. Hugs, T

  23. Sally G's Gravatar Sally G
    December 8, 2012 at 2:37 pm | Permalink

    Hi Valerie, found this blog from the FA FB page, you are an awesome inspiration, I thank you for taking the courage your HP has given you to share and give to others. Through all your struggles and difficulties what comes over is a need to give… give… give. What a wonderful response to the terrible time you have had since the accident.
    I have read much on the blog, I hope I have now subscribed, thought I had but had not received email confirmation, maybe you could check? I added my email address and clicked ‘subscribe’
    I read about the grocery shopping list which you and Gregory use – just wondered if you could share a copy with me? I need to get more organized, keep finding my yoghurt and veggies eaten by other members of my family – want to encourage them to also heat healthily but also want to protect my FA weighed and measured meals, particularly as we live 15 km from nearest store!!!
    Thank you,
    Sally

  24. Tammy's Gravatar Tammy
    January 9, 2013 at 9:24 pm | Permalink

    Hi Valerie,

    I am also a member of the Open Heart Project and the survivor of a horrendous auto accident. Thank you for sharing your story and your journey.

    Love,
    Tammy

  25. Tammy's Gravatar Tammy
    January 31, 2013 at 9:38 am | Permalink

    Hello Valerie!

    I have been thinking of you and hope this message finds you well. I am super excited to have printed out your recovery food plan and am giving it a go. It’s time to face facts.

    How are you feeling? I hope your recovery (from the accident) continues to progress and that you are comfortable and at ease.

    With much love,
    Tammy

  26. Sherri Wilson's Gravatar Sherri Wilson
    March 7, 2013 at 12:51 pm | Permalink

    Hi, I found you through syncronicity. I have a business dream I want to name _A Cup of Kindness-

    And, I found your page. How wonderful. I would love to follow along as you grow and heal. I am
    among the twelve step healing myself. I will also attempt to share your site with a friend or two who I believe are kindred spirits.

    Not to worry about my business idea now. It is all a dream at present.

    Sherri – in North Carolina, Also beginning my first CSA experience this new season. Love and light to you

  27. Andrew Nance's Gravatar Andrew Nance
    April 21, 2013 at 6:05 pm | Permalink

    I’m just guessing but I think you just may be one of the tools in my Carpenter’s tool box.

  28. Jamie's Gravatar Jamie
    May 25, 2014 at 5:22 pm | Permalink

    I can literally feel your serenity through my screen. What’s the name of the program you’re in? I know there are several 12-step programs for food, but you sound like you have what I want! Where did you get it?

    Thank you in advance!

  29. Jerrigrace Lyons's Gravatar Jerrigrace Lyons
    September 5, 2014 at 3:21 am | Permalink

    Hi Valerie,

    I have been introduced to you and your site by my good friend Emilia in Sacramento. I have read many things on this site and I am truly inspired. Emilia heard that I was going to visit Baltimore to teach a training this month and thought perhaps we could meet if time permitted. I’m not sure if I will be able to manage it, but Emilia is so special to me that I wanted to reach out to you just to see what is possible. I have 3 days following the training where it could possibly happen, Sept 16-18. If life doesn’t allow this meeting, at least I had a chance to say hello and tell you how much I appreciate your courage and the information that you have shared with the world.
    Warmest Regards, Jerrigrace

  30. March 3, 2015 at 10:43 am | Permalink

    Hi Valerie, love your site.

    I’m a psychotherapist and if you are willing to email me backchannel with the program that you’ve found to be so successful I’d greatly appreciate it. I would like to share it with clients.

    Thank you!
    Robyn

  31. Julie M's Gravatar Julie M
    March 17, 2015 at 9:25 am | Permalink

    Hi Valerie,

    I follow the same 12 step program you do for food addiction. Our fellowship is very small and I have been struggling lately to actually do all the things I need to do to help ensure I can keep going. I’ve cried, yelled, thought about quitting, cried because I know I can’t quit, and then finally talked to my sponsor about it. Through the grace of God… because of a chain of emails… I stumbled upon your site. THANK YOU GOD!!

    I just read “I’ve got this – Cue failure”. It’s EXACTLY what I needed to hear (see).

    This is the answer. Four years out from my start date, and I start to forget that. You just gave me a big dose of hope. And, I just felt a sense of calm come over me that I haven’t felt in a long time.

    I can’t wait to dig into this blog and see whatelse there is to offer!

  32. June 10, 2015 at 5:10 pm | Permalink

    Valerie,

    I am the “newbie” from the meeting this morning at Leisure World. Thanks for sharing your blog and website with me. I have barely scratched the surface of all your incredibly informative material and am finding everything so educational and inspiring. I am really enjoying your “food” section and have read it word for word. It is so nice that you have gone to so much trouble for our benefit in documenting everything you did and how you have evolved during your weight loss journey.

    It sounds like a perfect plan, although I know it is going to be difficult. But I really need to become more healthy, so I can enjoy life more with my husband, children and grandchildren.

    Thank you so very much. I’ll let you know how I do.

    Yours, Nancy B.

  33. December 16, 2015 at 7:35 am | Permalink

    It was lovely to meet you and Gregory a couple of weeks ago. I am enjoying taking a peek at your blog when I have a few minutes. Hope all is well. ~Melanie

  34. Mary B's Gravatar Mary B
    February 3, 2017 at 8:33 pm | Permalink

    Are you still in FA? I have been for a while but for various reason find myself “unwilling” to do everything required of me. I love your blog and would love to talk with you. Is that possible?

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