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
Steps The Enough Prayer Let me have faith so I will love as if there will always be love enough for me and I have never been hurt. Let me have faith so I will be a friend, as if my friends have always been here and I have never been alone. Let me have faith so I will eat as if there will … Read More
Anorexia & Bulimia Fellowship Higher Power Working the Program OA Shorts Dear Mr. Merriam, dear Mr. Webster, I write to you as a humble requester. I propose a new spelling of a certain word; The change would be seen but would not be heard. The word in question is now spelled “serenity.” I suggest changing it instead to “surrenity.” If one “surrenders” using “humility,” One can achieve a sense of tranquility: … Read More
Higher Power The Addict Mask It is not my job to fight the addict. It has never been my job to fight the addict. I can’t fight the addict. The addict is too strong and powerful for me. The addict is nasty. He plays by no rules. He lies, cheats, steals, and will do anything to destroy me. The addict wears a mask: This mask … Read More
Higher Power Act As If What kind of a fool do you think I am? What’s the point of praying to God? But you say I need do no more than “act as if,” and he will respond? Such nonsense I have never heard; I close my ears to those willful lies. But you say, “That is his will; Try! You will see with your … Read More
Higher Power New York City Stalkers They stalked me the length of the block, down the subway stairs, onto the #2 train, through the whole ride to 96th Street, where they got off and changed to the #1 along with me. Upstairs at 116th Street, what did I meet but those same stalking fragrances: not sweet, no, not those—the pungent ones that promised pleasures beyond measure … Read More
Fellowship Tools & Concepts Sponsorship I reach out my palm and you touch my heart. Together we make a valiant start. We guard against any halfway measure As we embark on this journey together. We’re raising the banner for spiritual living, Changing our actions from taking to giving. Our hands and our minds retreat from the fridge; The past becomes water under the bridge. Taking … Read More
Recovery Unity: An OA Love Poem I love the spirit within each of you. I love the endless kindness and understanding. I love the sharing of our lives together. Your struggle is my struggle. I feel your sorrows and joys, your strengths and weaknesses. It is the same with me; we share the same journey. —Rick E. (more…) Read More