Home Keep Coming Back Renewed Humility, New Peace

Renewed Humility, New Peace

3 min read
0

I am a returning member, back in OA after many relapses over the past fourteen years. Earlier this year, after almost a year of abstinent recovery and losing two thirds of the weight I need to lose for my health, I began experiencing painful and disturbing digestive symptoms. It took months for doctors to diagnose the trouble, and in the meantime, I was struggling and fearful. One doctor suggested my diet might be making my symptoms worse, but the foods they suggested I eat instead were some of my binge foods. I struggled with alternating panic and hopelessness every day. I was losing where once I felt I was winning! I was sad to find that, as the doctor had suggested, the more frequently I ate processed food at my meals, the less my symptoms flared up. I tried healthier processed options, but soon found that I had very few options if I wanted to feel well.

I prayed. I shared carefully, concerned that my story might trigger others, or discourage the newcomer. And the fat slowly crept back around my middle where it had lived for so long before. I pursued the peaceful serenity I craved and, from time to time, found it. When I reached out for my Higher Power, he was always there.

I started again at Step One. Talking about my fears and disappointments helped immediately. I was shown that now was the time to dive into the Fellowship. I made time for every member who asked for help. I surround myself with recovery. I can’t survive this alone. I watch my sponsees grow and change and go on to help others, and I watch them do better than I can do right now. I have found new peace in this renewed humility. I have no control over my weight, my food, or my recovery. My Higher Power has it all in hand.

— Keiley P., Queensland, Australia

  • Surrender Happens 24/7

    When I came into OA, I was on the edge of a mental breakdown. I’d tried everything to stop…
  • True Freedom

    When a fellow OA member suggested I reflect on what true freedom looks like for me, I disc…
  • Fully Covered

    I was thinking about why we buy car insurance aside from the fact that it is required by l…
Load More Related Articles
  • Low-Tech Outreach

    I am on my intergroup’s public information committee. We make flyers with a tear-off porti…
  • Available to Everyone

    Here are a few ways I carry the message to other compulsive overeaters. I print out OA’s C…
  • Radio-Active

    I was listening to a commentary about obesity on our local radio station. The commentator …
Load More By admin
  • Standing in the Wings

    I came to Overeaters Anonymous to lose weight, period. I had no idea what the program was …
  • Image by Ellen R.

    Mindful of Hope and Help

    I have been in OA for almost forty-three years. There was a release of 114 pounds (52 kg) …
  • Balance in Program

    The week before Unity Day, I made a commitment to call three people whom I had not seen in…
Load More In Keep Coming Back
Comments are closed.

Check Also

Low-Tech Outreach

I am on my intergroup’s public information committee. We make flyers with a tear-off porti…