Higher Power Spirituality A Change of Plan I have had a spiritual awakening as a result of working the Steps while being abstinent one day at a time. I know this because I am much different today than when I was either trying to control the food or else stuffing my face. The Big Book refers often to a spiritual experience or spiritual awakening; for me, that … Read More
Relapse & Recovery All-In Abstinence Planning Lately, I have been comparing my OA journey to someone else who has decades of abstinence. I know through working the Steps that comparing myself to others is one of my shortcomings. I did not get abstinent at my first meeting, nor can I say, “I have not relapsed.” I want my story to be different, but I can’t change … Read More
Abstinence Day In and Day Out I was “struck abstinent” on April 20, 2016. I used to think being struck abstinent meant it was permanent, but it isn’t. I work very hard to maintain my abstinence. Abstinence for me means eating three meals plus two snacks daily, with no sugar, fast food, or anything from my “red light” list. This is my action plan: On Sundays, … 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
Abstinence Percentage, Not Perfection When I joined OA, my first struggle was to understand what “abstinence” meant. Oh, sure, I read the definition and understood the basic premise that abstinence meant not eating compulsively, but I couldn’t tell when I was eating compulsively and when I wasn’t. I just didn’t know. So I asked a bunch of long timers, and I got all sorts … Read More
Literature A Story and a Sign I was in a situation recently where I was required to wait patiently (not my strong suit); I got out an old Lifeline to help me behave properly. When I opened it, it fell open to the perfect article for me, a story that dealt with letting go of compulsive action and surrendering an emotion-packed situation to a Higher Power. My … Read More
Spirituality Measures of Willingness When I read “Our Invitation to You” (Overeaters Anonymous, Third Edition, pp. 1–5), what comes to mind is this: “I have to act myself into right thinking; I cannot think myself into right action.” Because my disease centers in my mind, this slogan summarizes both the problem and the way out of the problem. I take certain actions daily, which … Read More