Gratitude Recovery A Tale of Two Knees I have had two knee replacements in two years. The first time I wasn’t abstinent, but this most recent time I was. I want to share the difference. The first time I was in rehab, I was physically, spiritually, and mentally bankrupt. I paid an acquaintance, my eating buddy, to bring me non abstinent food. I ate sugar and white flour … Read More
Higher Power Spirituality Different Spiritual Beliefs Editors note: Below are two world service contributions from OA members in support of our Strategic Plan. When I first came to OA in 2005 at 275 pounds (125 kg), I thought I had the God thing down. Others might have trouble with the concept, but I had spent years studying theology, was working as a religious professional, and was … Read More
Relationships In Losing, Men Win In my three years of coming to the rooms of Overeaters Anonymous, I’ve been moved by the profound ways I see the power of God working in the lives of my brothers. As a former church worker, I thought I had a corner on the God business. Was I ever wrong! Whether I’m in my Sunday morning men’s meeting or … Read More
Abstinence Outside and In I have found differences between “trying to be abstinent” versus “being willing to be abstinent.” If I am trying to be abstinent, I am in a state of great confusion. If I am willing to be abstinent, I am in a state of great humility. Trying to be abstinent implies I should be able to do it, but I am … Read More
Abstinence No Guarantee but Grace I awakened abstinent today, clearheaded and present. Wow. Another day, G-d! It’s a far cry from the hangover of a binge. I call my caring sponsor each morning at 7 a.m. to commit to myself, to her, and to the G-d of my understanding my three planned, delicious, abundant meals. When I write down and prepare my meals, it sets the tone … Read More
Higher Power Courage to Change When I pray the Serenity Prayer, I ask for serenity, acceptance, courage, and wisdom. The first word in that prayer is “God.” It is he who grants me these ingredients that lead me to recovery time and time again. For me, the word “serenity” is very important because it tells me I must remain calm in all situations, with everyone, … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Unwrapping For me, being a compulsive overeater is a gift. It came wrapped in ugly, grimy paper, but it’s still a gift. The ugly paper represents how my illness treated me: It made me eat so much I got really fat, made it so that even if did lose weight I gained it back, and it made a glutton of me. … Read More
Tools & Concepts Building Blocks My “home” has been under renovation for the past sixty-five years. When I first walked into OA rooms in 1977, my home was mangled, beaten down, and full of holes. My efforts alone were not working, but it was hard to trust the process. I had failed so many times, and I did not want to wait—I was constantly frustrated. … Read More
Steps How I Ask The Seventh Step is one of the most important in my recovery. Every Step is crucial, of course, but Step Seven holds a special place in my heart. For me, it is the realization of a miracle. I ask my HP, whom I call God, to remove my resentments, fears, drivenness, and obsession with control (or illusions of control), and … Read More
Service Live and Learn—and Serve If I accept the circumstances I am in, I am given the opportunity to learn and serve. To learn and serve is the agreement I made when I entered the Twelve Step program: Accept—Learn—Serve. When I came to understand I had a disorder that made me different from many other people, and when I came to accept I would have … Read More