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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!

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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.

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Happiness

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Good Day Dear Friends!

I am feeling very well. So far, it’s just one of those unpredictably happy days on the path of life.

This morning I went to a 12-step meeting for food addicts. Every share was meaningful to me. I loved the honesty and the insights. One person talked about how, on a good day, she used to be waiting for the other shoe to drop. That used to be me! I wouldn’t fully enjoy my best moments because my mind was on to the next possible catastrophe. Now, I’m very grateful to enjoy my happy moments when they come.

Of course, that change from worried to happy didn’t happen on its own. It’s among the effects of taking my food addiction and using it to work the 12 steps. My fear, doubt and insecurity have diminished and I am more at peace, trusting in goodness and mercy, and confident that all is essentially well.

Fun Stuff!

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Yesterday, I visited the wonderful Hillwood Estate, Museum & Gardens, the home of Marjorie Merriweather Post, a legendary hostess, pioneering businesswoman, diplomat, philanthropist, and distinguished collector. Go!

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The amazing Pret-a-papier Exhibit is on until December 30. “Crumpled, pleated, and painted, ordinary paper becomes haute couture in the hands of the Belgian artist Isabelle de Borchgrave.” Our friend Debby Schull wrote the audio tour. I could see that exhibit again and again. It’s amazing!

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The Hillwood Café and gift shop are quite good. The Visitors Center holiday trees were delightfully decorated with hundreds of hand-made paper ornaments. Reservations are helpful. There’s a suggested donation of $15 for adults. I highly recommend a visit!

I’m grateful that I can honor the gift of happiness by enjoying it when it shows up. Thank you, G-d.

Love & Light,

Valerie

 

4 Comments to Happiness

  1. Sissy's Gravatar Sissy
    November 25, 2012 at 4:06 pm | Permalink

    Yay for unpredictable happiness!

    The exhibit sounds wonderful.

    Yesterday we picked up our Christmas tree and the French Canadian women who comes down with the trees every year makes beautiful paper ornaments that look like giant pinecones. I enjoyed looking over each one.

    xoxo

  2. November 25, 2012 at 5:04 pm | Permalink

    Dear Valerie,

    Love your “Happiness” post today.

    Happiness comes in fleeting moments … the question to ask is “what’s under the happiness?”

    “What is always present under all emotions?”

    THAT is the true refuge of spirit … available to us all at any moment … in any state of being we may find ourselves.

    The Prêt-à-Papier couture-fashion art at Hillwood is totally fabulous. If you decide to go back let me know!

    EnJOY and blessings,
    Francesca

  1. By on November 27, 2012 at 8:44 pm

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