Abstinence Before the First Bite Just what is compulsive overeating? I’ve not had to wonder about that, because my first sponsor made it very clear, as does the Big Book, that we’re talking about the first compulsive bite: the first bite of “more than planned,” the first bite of “a bit more,” the first bite of a food I do not eat today, and the … Read More
Abstinence A Real Human Life Abstinence to me is the key to a better life. In the beginning of my precious abstinence, I remember being amazed at how much the resolution of my difficulties relationships and life in general was tied to simply not doing the behavior of compulsive overeating. I had always thought that the resolution would be mental or psychological realm. “No,” I … Read More
Fellowship Recovery Marking This Day The purpose of this special day, International Day Experiencing Abstinence, is to encourage members to establish or reaffirm their own abstinence. Many people ask what abstinence is, so we will look to the OA Policy on Abstinence and Recovery: “The WSBC 2019 accepts the following definitions: Abstinence: The act of refraining from compulsive eating and compulsive food behaviors while working … Read More
Higher Power Adopting a Loving Attitude Mid-afternoon triggers one of my compulsive food behaviors—munching. Every day, hungry or not, food thoughts start to pester me. One day, I asked my Higher Power, whom I call Loving Mother, to handle the urges for me. “I’ll do what you tell me to,” I assured her. “Well, it’s not really about doing; it’s just about loving.” Her reply surprised … Read More