Share It Boost in Print I often think of sending some words of gratitude to Lifeline, but I put it off and put it off. My addictive voice tells me that what I write has to be perfect, timely, brilliant— and that’s not true! I am deeply grateful and appreciative to all who contribute, all who work to put Lifeline together month after month, and … Read More
lifeline Literature Share It Corrected Math In “OA is for Me” (February 2019, p. 8), I would like to point out that 28 kilograms is approximately 60 pounds, not 13 pounds as indicated. — Rob G (more…) Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Stories from Others When I read another person’s story, a personal share, it reminds me I have a story as well, and I have nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. I learn so much from others; their experience helps me get through my own. The stories help me look inside myself more and see and feel how much I can relate to … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Right Sized I’m a relapse survivor. I was in OA for about five years in the 1980s. Though I was in a formal religious system, I had no personal HP, so it should come as no surprise that I never achieved any long-term abstinence or serenity. I was using OA as a diet club. Being a compulsive reader, I collected all the OA … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Recharging with a Good Read I carry Lifeline with me to medical appointments. I get so much out of the stories; I feel relaxed and don’t notice the time. I get into the stories and keep my mind off the other people in the room. I used to think about what the doctor’s staff should or shouldn’t do. Reading about recovery keeps me out of … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Uplifting Thoughts I’m grateful to be abstinent, by the grace of God and the power of the Twelve Steps, for twenty-one years and five months. I’ve lost about 55 pounds (25 kg), and I’m blessed to be at goal weight. Reading Lifeline expands my recovery and helps me see my recovery from a different perspective. Sometimes, I get stuck in my self-centered thinking, … Read More
Tools & Concepts Writing Sharing on Paper When I came into OA in the mid-1970s, sponsors gave their sponsees assignments or topics to write about. They encouraged sponsees to read at meetings to help the newcomer open up and share in front of the group. Today if we write something—trace it, face it, and erase it—and our sponsors ask us to share it, why not submit it … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Self-Sustaining Abstinence Did you know that OA exists in Barillas, Guatemala? I am writing to you from a small, rural village outside of the town. Today is Thanksgiving Day in America. My heart is full of gratitude, and my belly is not stuffed from overeating holiday treats! My two teens, my husband, and I have spent the last four days with the … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Truly a Gift My first sponsor was a temporary sponsor, and as a newcomer, I felt funny talking to a stranger about my issues with food. I didn’t want a sponsor, but he was there for me. I started emailing him my meal plan. I read articles from Lifeline magazine and then wrote to my temporary sponsor. I was obsessed with everything food, even … Read More
Abstinence Share It Compelling Benefits I have been reading Lifeline for years and have loved many articles, but this is the first time I felt compelled to respond to an article. I really loved “You Just Might Be” (February 2019), which lists off many indicators, in a humorous way, to tell if you’re abstinent or not. I could relate so much! The first time I … Read More