Volume 1 * Issue 8 * October 13, 2006
In This Issue: Welcome! Some more exciting news! Several of those whose lives have been changed by Be Totally F*ree! are now going to become published authors by telling their stories of hope. That's right, their experience of overcoming obesity, anorexia, bulimia, drug, alcohol and pill addictions, panic attacks and sexual abuse will now become published in the upcoming book series, "Thank God I". A few months ago, I was contacted by the publisher of this unique book series that chronicles personal stories of those who have found gratitude and the hidden blessings behind major catastrophes and seeming tragedies in their lives. Well, because Be Totally F*ree! helps people overcome addictions by guiding them to see themselves and their life experiences from a new perspective, this series is a perfect fit! So many people who have experienced Be Totally F*ree!'s help have amazing stories of making lemonade out of lemons. I thought that this would be a perfect way to spotlight their recovery and at the same time carry a message of hope to others. Not only are these grateful people going to share their stories, but also they are helping us raise money by donating the profits from their stories to Be Totally F*ree! Wow! That should be a book title unto itself: Thank God for Grateful People! We will be featuring our authors in the months to come, so stay tuned. And if you want to become a published author, and have your own "Thank God I" experience, check out the "Thank God I" website: http://tinyurl.com/hcwfj. Learn how to become a part of the biggest book series since Chicken Soup for the Soul! Be sure to read on and have a wonderful weekend! Love, Tricia
Recently there has been a lot of press related to the
sexual molestation of minors. I have a hard time understanding
why these people do what they do. There seems to be a pattern
of abusers having a history of being sexually abused. Do you
deal with these issues in the help you offer and can you shed
some light on this horrific subject? Dear Miffed: Yes, it seems that all over the news there are scandals and tragedies relating to sexual abuse and sexual misconduct with children. There is no doubt that when someone experiences sexual abuse as a child, a pattern of pain and destruction usually follows, often passed on to others, and always to oneself. Being sexually abused is a likely precursor to addiction. Usually those suffering with eating disorders or obesity have an incidence of sexual abuse in their past. I experienced it, and the person responsible was also a minor who had been a victim of it at one time, as well. While it's too large an issue to address appropriately in this forum, at the risk of oversimplifying, I will make a few observations that may help. When people are sexually abused as children, they become "sexually active" prematurely, before they are mentally and emotionally equipped to handle such strong feelings and interpersonal dynamics. Usually, to combat these strong feelings, they resort to addictions... to alcohol, food, drugs and sex, primarily. Panic disorder and a myriad of more severe mental illnesses often emerge, as well. The premature sexual activity ignites a preoccupation with sex, causing a person to lead a secretive and detrimental double life. The sex obsession causes tremendous guilt and mental anguish, which, in turn, propels a person further into the obsession as an escape. Many people use addictions as an attempt to "shut down" the sex obsession (obesity), or to facilitate the obsession without the burden of guilt (alcohol). A sex addict is usually as addicted to the shame and guilt of their activities as they are to the temporary sexual stimulation they derive. As with any addiction, the problem, left untreated, is guaranteed to get progressively worse. Negative consequences necessarily increase, as well, such as losing one's job, spouse and family, respect of their community, freedom, sanity, and even life. The good news is that there is a solution to the sex addiction, even to pedophilia. Because so many people with other addictions have the sex addiction, as well, we deal with it quite often. If you know someone struggling with any addiction, please suggest our website, www.betotallyfree.com *Do you have a question you'd like to have answered? Write me at askitbasket@betotallyfree.com.
Ovarian Cancer's First SymptomsCaught early, the disease can be stopped in its tracks. The initial warning signs of ovarian cancer are hard to spot, often leaving victims unaware that they need medical attention until it's too late. But detected and treated early, the disease has a 90 percent survival rate. Research by Barbara Goff, MD, director of gynecologic oncology at the University of Washington School of Medicine in Seattle, showed that the symptoms of ovarian cancer have a very particular pattern: They come on quickly, occur almost daily, and get worse over time. If any of the following persist for more than two or three weeks, see your doctor and ask specifically about whether it might indicate ovarian cancer:
Ginger Breedlove, PhD, a women's healthcare specialist at the University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City, suggests keeping a daily health diary. This makes it easier to spot new symptoms and can help medical practitioners with a diagnosis. ~Oprah Magazine 11/05 Eating the right foods and minimizing stress are major by-products of Be Totally Fre*e's services. Check out our website for more information.
November 1st UPLIFTING 1 hour conference call--Wednesday at 6 pm Pacific/9 pm Eastern. For more information and to register, click here.
After overcoming her own lifetime battle with compulsive eating, drinking and weight-without the use of diets, pills, medication or excessive exercise-Tricia Greaves founded Be Totally Fre*e!, a non-profit organization that offers a unique and permanent solution for overcoming all addictions. To learn about the hope we offer to those who have tried everything to stop, visit www.betotallyfree.com. |
