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Why Would You Want To?

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Posted on October 1, 2017
4 min read
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“In our belief any scheme of combating alcoholism which proposes to shield the sick man from temptation is doomed to failure” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., p. 101).

The Big Book promised that working the Twelve Steps would allow me to feel neutral about my former binge foods. This was one of the things that attracted me to OA. I wouldn’t have the constant fight to resist the urge to eat them, and I would be safe and protected. Wow! That sounded impossible at the time, but after years of bingeing and dieting, I knew that’s what it would take for me to abstain—a miracle of release from the desire to overeat.

My husband and I just returned from two weeks in Peru with a tour group. What a beautiful place! The mountain countryside was lush and seemed filled with spiritual light. We ate beautiful meals of fresh fruits and vegetables. Desserts were available too, and I could watch others eat them without feeling even a twinge of desire to have them myself. Instead, I was simply grateful for the bounty that nourished me mentally, physically, and spiritually.

Someone in our tour group organized “Friends of Bill” meetings. I attended and found that ten or so others on the tour were my compatriots in this Twelve Step way of life. One fellow shared that his new spiritual mentor had told him that if he achieved full enlightenment, he would be able to drink again. He said this threw him for a loop, until he spoke with his program sponsor. The sponsor relieved his mind with a few simple words: “Maybe, but why would you want to?”

That’s how it is with me and the sugary stuff I once binged on. Maybe I could get away with a bite of my husband’s gooey dessert, but why on earth would I want to? I want to nourish my body in the best way possible, so I have no desire to put toxic substances or excessive amounts of food into my body. The miracle promised long ago in the Big Book has happened to me.

God has given me a priceless gift in my recovery, and I have no desire to throw it away.

— Sally D., Skiatook, Oklahoma USA

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