First Steps

Recently I was visiting with my 1-year-old granddaughter. I noticed that she kept kneeling, sitting, reaching down to the floor and then back up, sitting, kneeling, and pushing herself up. She kept doing these movements, up and down, up and down, over and over in all different ways, almost like she was warming up for something that she was getting ready to do. I realized with delight that she was getting ready for her first steps. Now that she is walking, she squats down, comes back up, takes some steps, and does it over again.

This reminds me of OA—taking the Steps, going to meetings, and working with a sponsor. We read the Steps, we hear the Steps, and we work the Steps. We are practicing as we try out our new skills, like focusing, disciplining ourselves, writing down our food, listening to our sponsors, calling other OA members, reading the literature, taking our own inventories, making amends, forgiving, and sharing our experience, strength, and hope. We practice, practice, practice—and there is always more to learn. Just like my little granddaughter, who is taking a few steps now and will soon be walking smoothly and then running, we will too.

I experienced this process when I first came to a meeting and had no idea what the Steps meant. I kept coming back and listening, looking to fellow OA members and God for help. I learned from hearing and studying them just how valuable the Steps are. I am so glad I kept coming back. I have had to work hard, and I continue to work hard as I learn that I can grow and become. Now I am walking smoothly, maybe even jogging a bit. My brain is changing and my life is peaceful. I think I will always need more practice and more training, so I will keep coming back, knowing my Higher Power is rooting me on, delighted with me just as I am with my granddaughter. Thanks for listening.

— Cindy M., Pennsylvania USA