Debbie Danowski - The Overeaters Journal: Exercises for the Heart, Mind, and Soul

This past year I faced perhaps the greatest challenge I have ever known in recoverya divorce. In a heartbreaking twist of fate, my soul mate and I were unable to make our relationship work. After almost twelve years together, we made the decision to end our marriage. Perhaps the single saddest day in my life was when the judge declared our marriage to be dissolved.

Though legally it was relatively simple to end our marriage, emotionally it has been a devastating experience to be out of touch with the person who was my best friend for most of my recovering life. And though we are not together, I could not write this section without acknowledging the role that my former husband has played in my writing career. It was with his love and support that I was able to publish my first two books that served as the basis for this one and for that I will be forever grateful.

Similarly, both this book and my recovery would not be possible without the love and support of so many wonderful people in my life. To begin, my parents, Ann and Andy, have served as the guiding force in my life. I know that without their love and support I could not have made it through not only the past year, but also my entire life. They have been there for me whenever I have needed them, and there are no words to express how much that means to me.

No less important are my siblings. My sister, Karen, her husband, Danny, and my niece, Melissa, have all been an important part of both my life and my recovery. I cannot count the number of times that all of them have gone out of their way to make sure I made it through the past year. And Melissa continues to be the light in my life that carries me through my darkest moments just by being herself. My life is so much richer because of her presence.

My brother, Mike, and his wife, Denise, have been an amazing support to me throughout this experience as well. I cannot express how much strength I gain from knowing that they are in my life. My extended family has also served as a source of support and provided me with hope throughout the entire writing process.

Similarly, my friends have served as an incredible support system for me both during the past year and throughout my life. And though each and every one of them has a special place in my heart, it is difficult to put into words how much Bev Robillard has touched my life with the support and friendship that she so freely provides. Other friends who have shared their love and support with me are Rich Mayo, Paulette Day, Mark Egmon, Jennie Hendrix, and Chris OHearn.

As a writer, it is necessary to develop a support group of people who provide motivation when no one else seems to. For me, Dawn Rosner, Mark Edwards, Amanda Veautour, Jane Pollak, and Dr. Mike Ventimiglia have encouraged my writing and listened to me regularly. For this, I am extremely grateful.

As a recovering person, my network of support people is an incredible gift in my life. I could not have made it through one minute of abstinence if it were not for the love and support of so many people who are walking the road to recovery with me. My heartfelt thanks go to Roger, Alex, Linda, Elaine, Vickie, Kim, Adria, Jill, Joan, Ruth, Jocelyn, Frank, and everyone else who shares my disease. No less important is my online support group that motivates me even when I am exhausted. Thanks to Josie, Wendy, Tina, Cara, Rita, Rachel, Tracy, Leonora, Joan, Robyn, Jess, Ann, and everyone else who takes the time to post a message at the most supportive place on the Internet.

The struggle to live a healthy lifestyle is often challenging, but some people have made it easier. I am grateful to Jack de Graffenried for being a wonderful and supportive workout partner, who pushes me to do more than I ever thought I could. I am also grateful to have found a gym where I feel comfortable enough to exercise in front of other people. It is a credit to those at World Gym in Trumbull that the environment there is loving and supportive.

I am also very grateful for the children in my life who remind me that fun is an important part of recovery. From the day she was born Melissa has continually taught me how to play and have fun, often leading me to playgrounds, amusement parks, and bowling alleys. And from Felicia Stolz and JJ de Graffenried, I have learned to be fearless and enthusiastic in my play. I am truly grateful for every moment that I spend with each one.

Professionally, there are too many people who have helped me along the way to name all of them, but I will do my best. At Sacred Heart, I am grateful to be blessed with wonderful, caring co-workers on every level, but especially in both the English and media studies departments, including Beverly Boehmke, Dr. Jeff Cain, Dr. Bunny Calabrese, Dr. Jim Castonguay, Dr. Ralph Corrigan, Dr. David Curtis, Dr. Angela DiPace, Carol Esposito, Greg Golda, Dr. Sid Gottlieb, Dr. Michelle Loris, Dr. Rick Magee, Dr. Robin McAllister, Dr. Andy Miller, Dr. Judy Miller, Dr. Louise Spence, Dr. Roberta Staples, Dr. Sylvia Watts, and Dr. Sandy Young.

Just as wonderful are the people at Hazelden who believed in me from the beginning. As my first editor, Corrine Casanova will always hold a special place in my life. I am also grateful to my current editor, Karen Chernyaev, for her support and encouragement in writing this book. All of those at Hazelden who have touched my life have helped to make me a better writer. Thanks, too, to Joan Flavell for the cover design and Monica Dwyer Abress for her copyediting.

Finally, I offer my sincerest gratitude to God for the life and work He has given me.

The title of this book contains the word overeater, and the phrase food addict is used throughout the journal. However, its important to note that the exercises in this journal can be used by those who regularly gain and lose the same fifteen pounds, those who are underweight, and even those who are at a healthy weight but have an unhealthy relationship with food. A food addict is physically and emotionally dependent on certain food substances, such as sugar, flour, fat, and sometimes wheat, to the point that these substances interfere with normal daily functioning.