Traditions Keep It Simple When I put this Tradition in my own words, I say, “As a member of an OA group, I should never pitch or stress the name(s) of non-OA-approved, books, literature, authors, spiritual leaders, vitamins, weight loss programs, church revivals, other Twelve Step groups, self-help chewing gums, etc. If I do, I could become distracted by problems of money, property, and … Read More
Steps Surrender the Crutch At first, I thought Step Six would be easy for me—of course, I want my defects removed! But just as it warns in OA Twelve and Twelve, Second Edition, this Step is a little more complicated: At first glance, Step Six seems easy. After all, who among us would not want to have all our defects miraculously removed, once we … Read More
Higher Power Grounded by Grace After I shared my Fourth Step inventory with my sponsor, taking the Fifth Step, I moved on and wrote this poem during the hour I spent with God alone as I took Steps Six and Seven. Broad highway Narrow path, narrow steps. Tight rope strung between mountain peaks formed by stories, wrapped in drama, about a life lived overdone. Suspended, … Read More
Traditions Willing Is Filling Higher Power has graced me with this realization: in our lifesaving program, I’ve come to have a preference for certain Steps more than others! It is an uncomfortable awareness. I know that each and every Step has a purpose in my recovery and each and every one is part of a dynamic combination that covers every aspect of my life. … Read More
Traditions Entrusted Not Expert Am I a worthy ambassador for OA? About a year ago, I had the opportunity to volunteer at a public event alongside a high-profile spokesperson for my company: a registered dietician. Before her presentation, I shared with her why I’d wanted to meet her and work with her. I greatly admire her work in teaching the public about healthy eating … Read More