Showing Up for Practice

I used to be someone who would dive into things and give 100 percent, but only until the going got tough or I became bored. Then I’d move on—from jobs, weight-loss programs, even interests. For me to keep coming back to OA is testimony of the power of this program. I keep coming back because:

• OA works long-term when nothing else seems to.
• it’s what the recovering people I know do.
• for almost thirty years now, I’ve found the only successful method of removing my obsession with food and weight is working the Twelve Steps and using the Tools of recovery.
• I now live a life of freedom. Food, whether eaten, overeaten, undereaten, or not eaten, no longer rules my thoughts and actions.
• the Steps have shown me how to have and rely on a Higher Power. I no longer have to attempt to control every aspect of my life to feel safe. I give up my illusion of power and control to God, who empowers me to live well each day.
• I’m well physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
• recovery has given me the capacity to serve instead of always wanting to be taken care of.
• I now have choices. I make choices about how I live life one day at a time.
• at my first meeting, there was someone who was living proof that this program works, and I hope I can be that for newcomers.
• it’s my insurance policy against the disease of compulsive overeating. It saves me from relapse.
• there’s always more I can learn about how to live a spiritual life.
• I have experienced the OA Guarantee: “Once we compulsive eaters truly take the third step, we cannot fail to recover” (The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, p. 27). What keeps me coming back when I don’t feel like it?
• Sponsorship keeps me coming back, both being sponsored and having sponsees. OA offers true friendships and support.
• I believe what I heard a longtimer say: “When you least want to go is when you most need to go!”
• I know I’m being of service and that it’s good for me.
• I like talking to other longtimers.
• I like finding new and different ways to be of service.
• I know that this disease is progressive, and OA is my necessary medicine.
• I don’t think about it too much. I just keep coming back anyway.

Life throws curveballs from time to time. Being in OA gives me the skills necessary to process what’s difficult as well as what’s easy. Any skills require practice. I know too that a Twelve Step way of living is the best way to continue to enjoy the gifts of the program. Why would I want to give up on that? It works if we work it!

— Anonymous, Region Ten