Simplicity and Priority

I have always made action plans . . . if all my to-do lists count. Daily to-do lists keep me organized and let me check off the items I complete. However, when it came to recovery from compulsive eating, I found I needed something more specific to keep me on track with my abstinence. I needed an action plan that placed my OA program as a priority in my life.

I learned about The Simplicity Project and thought it made a lot of sense. (You can find the free download by searching “simplicity” on oa.org.) It reads:

The Simplicity Project is a simple idea to help YOU stay abstinent! Got program? Got an index card and a pen? Write the essentials of your program on the front and back of an index card, and then carry that card with you wherever you go. Take the card out and read it anytime you need to reaffirm your program. Your card should have whatever information, reminders, prompts, or action items you need to remember in times of stress. Keep it simple, though . . . it all has to fit on the front and back of one little index card!

One simple index card is at all takes. As suggested, I customized my card. My action plan (see below) has room for me to list all the actions I need to take to for physical, emotional, and spiritual recovery. Each aspect works to reinforce the others: when I am in recovery, I am abstinent. Also, all nine Tools are represented in my plan (service is defined by my monthly intergroup meeting and Region Eight). I’ve listed each Tool under one primary category for simplification, but they may cross over into the others. For example, daily meditation is listed under spiritual recovery, but it deeply affects my emotional recovery and has physical benefits, such as reducing stress and lowering my blood pressure.

When I started this action plan, it was less complete than it is now, and it has been modified over time, but for the most part, it is now unchanging. The most important thing I do is set my recovery as the number one priority in establishing my schedule and routine. I place all my OA group, intergroup and Region Eight meetings on my calendar at the beginning of the year. Exercise fits in next (early in the day after prayer and meditation). I schedule all of my other life activities after I plan these so that (almost) nothing interferes with my recovery.

But what about the back of the card? There, I keep a list of all my binge foods, just in case I am tempted to “forget.”

Having my program essentials all on one card makes so much sense, and I keep it in my purse at all times.

Try it. It may work for you.

— Barbara

Barbara’s Action Plan

Physical
Medications (prescribed)
Plan of Eating (3-0-1)
Exercise (3x/week)
Walk 3 miles (4.8 km) (3x/week)
7–9 hours of sleep
Yoga (Fridays)

Emotional
Anti-depressants
OA reading and writing
Monday meeting
Thursday meeting
Sponsor/sponsoring
Intergroup monthly
Telephone (and text)
Asking for help!
Region Eight

Spiritual
Daily prayer
Daily meditation
12 Steps and Traditions
The Principles of OA
Gratitude
Anonymity