Cindy's Story of Recovery

My transformational journey of recovery began on Wednesday, October 12, 2022. My life changed the moment I stepped foot into COR Retreat, a food recovery program in Wayzata, MN. I am amazed at the positive changes in my life over the past year.

In August 2022, a simple, routine outpatient medical procedure “took a turn for the worse.” My Type 2 diabetes was out of control and my blood sugar went over 400. It was a complicated situation on many levels and the reality of my excess weight causing multiple, serious health issues became clear as I was hospitalized and would face ongoing complications, need time to heal and much effort to rehabilitate. For years, my morbid obesity was wreaking havoc upon my mental and physical health. I suffered from low self-esteem and felt hopeless. I had been diagnosed with PCOS-Polycystic Ovary Syndrome, Type 2 Diabetes, Insulin Resistance, Metabolic Disorder, Sleep Apnea, Fibromyalgia, High Cholesterol, Chronic inflammation and other rheumatologic health concerns. This was a wakeup call for me on how my out of control and compulsive overeating habits were negatively affecting my life, overall health and wellbeing.

I have always been a spiritual person. I am active in my church and have invested a lot of time and energy working with youth ministry. My experiences at COR and ENCOR have allowed me to grow even more spiritually. I did not know this was necessary for me to find my way out of the fog of food addiction. I have shifted and stretched my belief system and am learning to nurture (tend to) my own self-love and self-care. I am inspired to improve my overall wellness and I connect with my fellows for support and camaraderie. I not only ask for help, I accept it and pay it forward, faith into action through service to others. Recovery is holistic for me and involves my mind, my body and my soul.

I have lost 90 pounds. I have gained even more mentally, emotionally, physically, socially and spiritually. As the numbers on the scale have decreased, my connection to others has increased. I have made friends who understand and support me, I work with a sponsor and am ready and willing to sponsor another woman in the program. My relationships with my HP (Higher Power), family, friends, coworkers and my community have improved. I am clear and present, no more food binges and hangovers. I am quicker to recognize when I fall into “stinkin’ thinkin’” and am able to replace this with optimism, gratitude and words of affirmation. I meditate daily. I am a part of my WE community, “WE admitted we were powerless over food, that our lives had become unmanageable”. WE are no longer alone, isolated and desperate. WE share our experiences, the seriousness of our ED (Eating Disorder). WE help each other understand how to move forward, each day towards better health and connection. WE no longer isolate.

I, along with my team of doctors, are amazed and overjoyed with current test results indicating dramatically improved health and reversal of specific diseases. My cholesterol is within normal range; previously 391 now 84. Regarding my diabetes, my HGB A1C went from 10.8 to 5.6. I no longer require an insulin pump or any other diabetic medications including insulin or Metformin. My blood pressure averages 110/60, I no longer suffer from sleep apnea and my inflammation is resolved. I have increased energy and stamina. I am motivated to move and exercise intentionally. I walk 3- 5 miles per day without joint pain or shortness of breath. I feel lighter, free from the bondage that is food addiction.

I recognize that I cannot walk this journey of recovery alone. I must fully rely on God through daily surrender and action. I know I am only one bite away from relapse; so, I take my abstinence seriously!

None of this is by chance or coincidence; it is truly a “God-cidence”. It is a miracle and an answered prayer! It requires turning my life over completely to God. God led me to COR. COR provided vital information, the resources and tools to work the 12 Steps and welcomed me into a support group who are there for me on my best days and my hard days too. I see God’s hand in all of this and know I could have never done this on my own. By trusting my Higher Power and applying the tools of this program with clarity, honesty, and intentionality, my perceptions, beliefs, behaviors, and way of living have drastically changed. I choose to weigh and measure abstinent foods with no added sugars, or flour, I am learning boundaries which keep me safe. Boundaries in all areas. I am a new person, as a result of COR and ENCOR. I work this program one moment at a time, one step at a time, and one day at a time…”Just for Today”. This is a spiritual program which teaches us the process of pausing, surrendering and living in the present moment. I am so happy to be here.

About COR Retreat
COR Retreat is a residential retreat program that teaches a way to live free from the obsession with food through a 12 step program. COR Retreats are 5-day programs, scheduled each month at the McIver Center in Wayzata, MN.

Learn more about the COR Retreat Experience, and register online to attend an upcoming retreat.