Be Totally Fre*e

Volume 1 * Issue 12 * December 19, 2006

In This Issue:
Notes…Gene Autry…Finding The "Happy" in Holidays

Welcome!

Well, we had another successful workshop on December 3rd. Thank you to all who participated in learning how to "de-stress and eat less"! And thank you to some of the BTF "troopers" who joined us in helping out at the Operation Christmas Child distribution facility. We had a blast working to prepare some of the 7.6 million donated Christmas gift shoe boxes that are being sent to disadvantaged children around the globe. The southern California boxes have been sent to several countries including Mexico, Chile and China.

Operation Christmas

**Be on the lookout for the special conference call I'll be offering first thing next year (just a few weeks from now)! You won't want to miss what I'm going to be sharing with you!**

Great news! Space is already filling up for our popular "Breaking Free From Emotional Eating" teleclass series starting January 15th, so register now!

We welcome your support! We don't charge any money for our Metasteps program here in Los Angeles. We are helping people who are sometimes literally dying from eating disorders and other addictions. These people have usually exhausted their insurance and depleted their personal savings on expensive doctors, medications and treatment centers, and are still without a solution. When we give of ourselves freely, asking nothing in return except hard work, we build value and trust in those seeking our help—the seed of self-worth is planted and healing begins. Would you please consider helping us to continue to offer this gift and make a donation now? Thank you!

Happy Holidays, and I'll "see" you next year!

Love, Tricia

Gene Autry

Dear Ask It:

I always look forward to the holidays, but then find myself feeling miserable and anything but cheerful. Is there a secret to truly feeling the holiday spirit?

~Bah Humbug in Bar Harbor

Dear Bah Humbug:

Years ago, I bought a cassette of Gene Autry's Christmas songs for Roy. He loves old cowboys, including the legendary Gene Autry. We've had fun singing along to "Here comes Santa Clause" over the years. Even if you don't believe in Santa Clause, it's hard to sing that song without feeling a little happier. In fact, just the other day, when Roy was helping me with a personal challenge, he referred to a line in the last stanza of that song: "Peace on earth will come to all if we just follow the light". How true this is; when I concentrate on following that still, small voice inside of me, regardless of what my head, or "society", or fear tells me, I am more peaceful, and everything around me flows more smoothly. The fact is we all have that light guiding us. We may not feel at times like there's any light to be found anywhere; for myself, it's usually because I've buried it with my own fear and pride and ego. But the light can shine brightly on us and from within us in an instant, when we surrender "our way" and follow the light. When we reach out to another with love, when we take time to really listen to a friend or a child, instead of internally tapping our foot waiting to speak again, when we succumb to the holiday cheer instead of dwelling on our problems, that's when we can best sense "peace on earth".

*Do you have a question you'd like to have answered? Write me at askitbasket@betotallyfree.com.

(Please forward to everyone you know!)

Finding the "Happy" in Happy Holidays

In a survey by the National Women's Health Resource Center, nearly 65% of women say they have suffered from depression during the holidays, to the point that they didn't want to participate in activities such as party-going and gift-giving.

While it's easy to treat the holiday blues with high fat, sugary "comfort foods" and alcohol that are in abundance in December, the truth is that this only compounds the problem (besides adding hangovers and weight gain). If you will turn inside for true rejuvenation and balance, you will be better prepared for the outside stressors the holidays can bring.

10 True Tips for "Happy" Holidays

1. Nutrition: Don't deprive your body of the nutrition it needs to effectively cope with stress and depression. This means:

Drink plenty of water (Dehydration is a real energy-zapper.)
Eat fruits and vegetables. (Reach for the vegetable plate instead of the fondue.)
Take your B Vitamins (Essential for stress management.)

2. Prayer: whether you're stressed or depressed, ask for help from your Higher Power. Just acknowledging that you are overwhelmed or can't figure something out and need help from God can ease the burden of stress. Try it, it works!

3. Meditation: You don't know what you're missing! 20 minutes of quiet and stillness in the morning and/or late afternoon (try even once a day) and you'll be amazed at the intuition and inspiration that shows up right when you need it to assist you throughout your day. Don't know how to meditate? It's easy, click here to learn how.

4. Singing: Holiday music doesn't have to be a harbinger of stress and crowded malls. Find a station playing the corniest songs and sing along! Get everyone to join in and you'll be amazed how much better you feel, in no time!

5. Sleep: There is a huge difference between 5 hours and 8. Shoot for 8 hours and see how much easier it is to handle stressful situations that come up. Can't sleep? Lay off the artificial sweeteners (as well as the sugar), caffeine, and spicy foods…they all have stimulating qualities that make sleeping more difficult.

6. Writing: Sick of the crowds, the ungrateful kids, the distracted spouse, and the sarcastic relatives? Go ahead, let them have it…on paper! Expressing yourself on paper can diffuse the frustration, self-pity and resentment, making it easier to gain perspective and emotional balance. Writing is a great way to avoid flying off the handle and causing guilt and more stress in the process.

7. Hugging: We don't do it enough. Everyone needs a hug. If you don't think you do, you're probably out of touch (pardon the pun). But be assured that, at the very least, someone else needs a hug from you. Here's a secret: when you give the gift of a hug to someone, you'll receive the same gift in return!

8. Exercise: You don't need to go to a gym to exercise. Just walk out your front door! Bundle up if it's cold and go for a brisk walk. While you're at it, say some prayers for family members, friends, your community, your country and soldiers, and all who are suffering in the world. Even a 10-minute walk is enough to change your state for the better.

9. Visualization: Sit quietly and imagine a peaceful scene or rehearse positive, heartwarming thoughts. You can do this anywhere, at any time. If you want a little help with a guided visualization, try our new visualization CD and you'll feel like a new person.

10. Being Present: The best stress deterrent there is! Do your best to prepare for your holiday festivities, but most importantly, BE THERE where you're there! There is no more important place you could be than right where you are, wherever you are. Even if you are stuck in an airport with weather-related delays, stop wringing your hands and enjoy the experience (Remember, the joy is in the journey!). Try to bring love and cheer wherever you go; concentrate on your present company and surroundings and you will be amazed at the peace that comes. Being present is the best present of all.

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.

January 15th - 6 week TRANSFORMATIONAL TELECLASS begins: Breaking Fre*e from Emotional Eating--Mondays at 5:30 pm Pacific/8:30 pm Eastern. For more information and to register, click here.

Join University of Masters and hear Tricia's regular classes: "Change Your Life, Change Your Waistline."

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.