Face Time I went to a meeting the other day and was walking in with a friend (we squeaked in barely on time) when I noticed, down the hall, someone sitting alone. I asked, “Are you looking for OA?” The answer was yes. The newcomer had never been to that particular meeting before. I had just gotten the meeting started when two … Read More
Giving Away a Secret I have always been so guarded with every aspect of myself. Just the prospect of being exposed and having someone see the rawest, most honest version of me has been painful and terrifying to think about. My earliest memories are associated with the desperate need to be accepted by everyone at any cost, by any means necessary. I worried that … Read More
Principle Practice “We must remember that serenity and humility come with acceptance” (Voices of Recovery, p. 282). Sometimes I have to ask myself: What am I not accepting? The fear that I am not good enough? For whom? You? Them? Me? God? Nothing makes my life seem out of control faster than a B.I.N.G.E.—Believing I’m Not Good Enough. So I don’t even … Read More
Card-Carrying Member The number of members in Overeaters Anonymous is small compared with the number of members in Alcoholics Anonymous, but OA is as valuable a program for compulsive overeaters as AA is for alcoholics. I have been in Overeaters Anonymous since January 1987. I entered the program weighing 193 pounds (88 kg) and have maintained a weight loss of slightly more … Read More
Acting Out Nine years ago, I crawled into the rooms of OA, wishing I could die so I could be free of the hell of this disease. I heard “Welcome to Overeaters Anonymous. Welcome home!” and I began my recovery journey back to life. That year, I also began taking over the care of my mother. Working the Twelve Steps in OA not … Read More
Saved by Speaking Tonight, I gratefully received a one-year medallion for abstinence. One year ago, I wouldn’t have thought I would be here, enjoying a previously unknown level of serenity and relief from 35 pounds (16 kg) of exhausting weight. One thing that has helped me maintain this abstinence is service. When I was about three months abstinent, there came a day of … Read More
Try Writing At sharing time in OA meetings, I sometimes read thoughts I have written down. Sharing thoughts and speaking out loud what I have written helps my recovery. Other members used to say, “You should submit that to Lifeline.” But I thought, “If what I write is rejected, I’ll feel rejected” or “What if it isn’t good enough?” My fear of … Read More
Growing Gratitude “Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends—this is an experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it. Frequent contact with newcomers and with each other is the bright spot … Read More
Travel Treat Traveling to the OA Region One Assembly was a perfect opportunity for me to practice navigating an airport without compulsively wanting to eat. I am really glad I had my plan of eating in place. Arriving at the airport two hours early sometimes leaves me with time on my hands. The smells of airport foods can arouse compulsiveness out of … Read More
Food Processor This morning I was struck by the thought that preparation is a key element in my plan of eating and has a significant place in my daily action plan. Before OA, I made meals, but it wasn’t the same. Now, I am willing to commit the time it takes to think out a menu; shop for the ingredients (or, lucky … Read More