Denial, Defiance, Desperation, Destiny I came into OA in 1994. I got a sponsor at my second meeting, went to three meetings per week, and had the great fortune of being “struck abstinent” within my first two weeks. I began working the Steps and had two years of good solid abstinence. That’s when I thought to myself, “I got this.” I have since learned … Read More
Opened Up OA is the best thing that’s ever happened to me. It has changed my life—irrevocably, I hope—since that day in 2002 when I, with my usual reservations, finally became willing to surrender to a sponsor. OA has healed me physically, emotionally, and most important to me, spiritually. According to my reading of program literature, spirituality is the crux of it … Read More
Always a Newcomer As I approach the anniversary of my twentieth year of abstinence from compulsive overeating, I’m reflecting on the miracle of finding my way to the rooms of OA, as well as my first years of recovery. When I entered OA in late August 1999, I was a nightmare of a human being. I lived in self-centeredness, self-absorption, and self-pity. I … Read More
All the Way Today, I am celebrating thirty years of abstinence. It took me four years to get, and I truly appreciate the miracle of still having it so many years later. When I came to OA in 1985, I was 21 years old, and I had no idea what OA was going to do for me. Like many people, I wanted to lose … Read More
Gift List This year, OA celebrates its 60th birthday! Observances and activities will be held worldwide. My Pinellas County Tradition Intergroup was part of the celebration last year, and we organized a workshop where we created a list of all the gifts for which we’ve been grateful. As our gift list grew, our eyes were opened to how the program has changed … Read More
Lost Half, Gained Everything I am at a peculiar milestone. I now weigh 168 pounds (76 kg), and that reflects my 168-pound weight loss. It’s also been three years since I started my transformation. I joined OA in January 2013. The following September, I was sitting in my chair and purposefully eating myself to death. I felt done with life; I could no longer … Read More
Not So Ridiculous I’ve been recovering in Overeaters Anonymous for more than thirty five years. I came to OA as a teen, having been bulimic for several years and unable to be truthful with myself. I felt I was unable to survive on the structured plan of eating available in OA at the time, so I left. I returned in 1980, pitifully and incomprehensibly … Read More
Running Slow, Running Proud My paternal grandmother was full blooded Tarahumara, the tribe of indigenous people in northern Mexico known for long-distance running. My daddy was a runner, and always told me that there is a runner somewhere in me too. I never believed him. A few weeks ago, I signed up for a 5K training program with my 16-year-old son. I don’t even recognize … Read More
Breaking 365 Chains I was looking for a diet. But what I’ve gotten is so much more. What’s different about my life today? The more appropriate question is, what’s the same? At this moment in time one year ago, I found program—or rather, program found me. Since then, I’ve lost about 40 pounds (18 kg), quit one job and started another, and I’m … Read More
Joy on the Job My family has a very strong work ethic that I inherited. However, I also had blind spots that affected my working life in ways I never grasped until I felt inspired to do a complete inventory of my job history. A new Fourth Step inventory is what it took to open my eyes to all the character defects and shortcomings … Read More
