Tools & Concepts Being There We once had a large group. Slowly it got smaller until we were just two. We thought seriously of closing our meeting, but it was our time to get together (we’d even have supper after). So we continued to meet for several years. One day, three members who had dropped out of OA ten years earlier came back. We were there … Read More
Relapse Family Practice In a dictionary, “family” can be defined in several ways: people occupying the same house, relatives, a tribe or clan, or a group sharing common features. Metaphorically speaking, we all belong to the “House of OA.” We all are related through the disease of compulsive eating. A thesaurus may compare “family” to a fellowship or group that is close, friendly, … Read More
Traditions Tradition 6: Simplicity With money, property, or prestige comes responsibility. We already have enough responsibility. When anyone, anywhere, reaches for help, I want the hand of OA to always be there, and for that I am responsible. I struggle along well enough, one day at a time, in this world of confusion and misunderstanding. I get some relief from my addiction, and then … Read More
Newcomers Responsibility Pledge Newcomer Welcome Team Finally, my schedule allows me to go to the best meeting in town. I’m about to browse the literature table when I see a large man, with matted hair on his head and a bush of frowzy facial hair, standing just inside the meeting room. Today’s weather is sunny and bright, but he is buttoned up in a bulky, full-length … Read More
OA Responsibility Pledge One Main Reason I volunteered to write Lifeline about OA’s Responsibility Pledge, but when I started thinking about my stories on this topic, I realized I don’t have any great anecdotes about saving anyone. So I told myself I was foolish for volunteering. I generally mull things over before I do any writing, so I let a couple of days pass. Then I … Read More