I was recently informed of two opportunities for support groups for those struggling against eating disorders. One is offered in Minneapolis, the other in St Paul, and both are sponsored by The Joy Project. Individuals who are currently affected by an eating disorder or body image issues are encouraged to attend.

Mondays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
University Lutheran Church of Hope
601 - 13th Avenue SE
Minneapolis MN 55414-1437

Thursdays, 6:30 - 8:00 pm
Central Park United Methodist Church
639 Jackson Street
St Paul, MN 55101

Sometimes, in the frenzy of a busy and complicated life, we can lose sight of the present. Dwelling too much on the past or focusing too far into the future can blur our vision to the point that we are not able to see things accurately. It's like this little experiment: Hold 1 finger up in front of you, an arm's distance away. When you focus your gaze on the finger, you see only 1 finger, but if you focus on a point beyond (farther away from) the finger, you may in fact see 2 fingers. Focus on the present - - you may find yourself thinking more clearly.

This announcement, from colleagues at the NRI in Fargo, could be very valuable to males and females suffering from bulimia nervosa who have limited access to or resources for treatment.

The Neuropsychiatric Research Institute of Fargo is conducting a free treatment trial for individuals with symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa. They are recruiting research volunteers in the Minneapolis area who meet the following criteria:
• have symptoms of Bulimia Nervosa
• age 18 or older
• willing to participate in 16 weeks of treatment
• willing to participate in follow-up for 1 year after treatment

Each participant will be paid for the follow-up appointments to a total of $100. Note that there is no "placebo" or inactive tratment - all participants will receive active treatment.

If you are interested in more information, please call toll-free 1-877-299-3511 ext 4949 or ext 4923. Or you may call direct to 701-365-4923 or 701-365-4949. All calls are confidential.

I like to think of recovery as a process, not an end. During the course of treatment, it is anticipated that there may be times when progress is stalled, or even reversed. Ideally, we'd like to think of treatment as a steady progression toward the goal. Yet that is not realistic. Going a few steps backwards can provide valuable learning opportunities, provided that you are still facing forward - - toward getting better, improving your life, and achieving a better place for yourself. It's when you turn your back on trying to get to that better place that significant problems can arise.

There's a quote by Vincent van Gogh that seems to speak to this lesson:
Our greatest glory consists not in never failing, but in rising every time we fall.