Home Sponsoring Lending What Was Offered

Lending What Was Offered

2 min read
0

When I began OA in October 2000, I chose a sponsor who had what I wanted. She shared her experience of working through the Steps and Traditions of OA with her sponsor, and I began my process according to her experience, strength, and hope. I purchased OA’s Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions book along with its companion, The Twelve Step Workbook of Overeaters Anonymous. I answered the questions in the Workbook as I read through each Step in the book.

After I completed my answers for each Step, my sponsor and I would meet. She would listen to my writing, only offering comment if solicited by me or if she heard any evidence of self-loathing, self-deprivation, or self-judgement on my part. She would invite me to reconsider any negative aspect of my answer and remind me of recovery progress, all along the lines of self-care, self-esteem, and self-acceptance. My sponsor and I took the time I required for my program, and through this regular practice of the Steps together, she helped me establish the foundation of my spiritual recovery and a new approach to living.

As I sponsor others, I lend to each what was offered to me. I listen as sponsees share their answers to the questions in the Twelve Step Workbook of Overeaters Anonymous, Second Edition. I encourage each person to grow from a place of self-loathing to a recovery path of self-care, and I offer a judgement-free relationship as each member travels the OA recovery path to freedom and healing.

I am forever grateful to my sponsor.

— Maggie

  • Only through Anonymity

    When I first came into Overeaters Anonymous, I quickly learned to respect anonymity: who I…
  • Thirty Days!

    I’ve reached my twenty-ninth day of abstinence. Tomorrow will be my weighing day and my hi…
  • Reach Out: Support Within

    Every December 12, OA groups and service boards around the world are encouraged to plan ev…
Load More Related Articles
  • Only through Anonymity

    When I first came into Overeaters Anonymous, I quickly learned to respect anonymity: who I…
  • Thirty Days!

    I’ve reached my twenty-ninth day of abstinence. Tomorrow will be my weighing day and my hi…
  • Reach Out: Support Within

    Every December 12, OA groups and service boards around the world are encouraged to plan ev…
Load More By kmcguire@oa.org
  • Modified Study Guide

    I wanted to share with the Fellowship how much I appreciate the Twelve Step Workshop and S…
  • So Much Better

    Nearly every day, I fill out a Tenth Step form. This was something my sponsor gave me a fe…
  • A Possible and Promising Step

    I dreaded the Ninth Step more than any of the others, even the Fourth and Fifth Steps. I’v…
Load More In Sponsoring
Comments are closed.

Check Also

Only through Anonymity

When I first came into Overeaters Anonymous, I quickly learned to respect anonymity: who I…