How OA Changed My Life Recovery To the Season I’m writing out the holiday cards, wishing everyone good cheer. Suddenly it’s holiday time, but I don’t feel holiday-ish this year. Dinner with friends and family will surely brighten the day, but being around all that food concerns me more than I can say. “Thank you, God, that’s not my food,” has worked for me before, and when they ask, … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Recovery Peaceful Ways I joined OA in 1981 weighing more than 250 pounds (113 kg), and I’ve been abstinent for thirty-five years. Because of this Fellowship, sponsors, the Steps, the Tools, slogans, and a loving HP, I have been able to be peaceful with food. I have horrible examples of how I behaved before program. For example, at our oldest son’s wedding, I … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Recovery Dishing Up for Others Holidays have always been a difficult time in my family. My earliest holiday memories revolve around eating very large quantities of food. I still remember the treats my mother bought and hid in the dishwasher so my father wouldn’t find them and confront her. Sometimes it is hard to unlearn habits that date back to childhood, but I have discovered it’s … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Recovery Holiday Tools I am a grateful compulsive overeater, abstinent since I walked through the doors of OA fourteen years ago. Thank you, God! I am maintaining a 33–35 pound (15–16 kg) weight loss, one day at a time. I have greater emotional and spiritual fitness than when I came. I live a life that is happy, joyous, and free; it’s a miracle … Read More
Recovery Good Times and Better Holidays are hard for me, period. Throw me in with a crazy family, awkward photos, and mounds of food, and I’m likely to stay stationed at the snack table. It just so happens that my OA birthday is December 25. I will be four this year. I used to hate holidays, and I couldn’t see my family without stuffing my … Read More