Service Service Center I have been abstinent now seven and a half years, and service has given me so many blessings. Here are just a few: Service gave me courage to stick around. I arrived at my first OA meeting about ten minutes early, nervous and contemplating leaving. I saw somebody setting up chairs; she had about fifty to arrange, all by herself. … Read More
Traditions Trust—Tried and True Just what are “trusted servants?” We read Tradition Two every week in our meeting. It states in part, “Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.” While I was attending an OA region meeting, it became very clear to me just what that “trusted” bit means. Looking at the leaders of the meeting, watching them be sane, reasonable, and … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Happy Camper I was two years into recovery when my partner and I packed up our car with abstinent food, my food scale, an air mattress, two lanterns, and our very first tent. We hit the open road on an eight-day, crosscountry trip across the southeastern United States. I’d already researched historical sites, museums, and campsites, and I felt profound gratitude for my … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Heart’s Blood There was a time when I was a regular blood donor. Every other month, I would make my way to the local blood center, roll up my sleeve, and give a pint of A-positive. It was a small thing, but it made me feel good to know I was doing something that had lifesaving potential. But then things started to … Read More
Newcomers Fixed Design I went to my first meeting twelve days ago. I have loved the lifeline of daily conversation with my sponsor and the introspection from daily tasks that really help me stay mindful and clean. I have been asking for spiritual help for the last eight years. God has been guiding me, and today, I have a much more open, loving, … Read More
Recovery Day by Day I was having an early-morning text chat with a girlfriend when the conversation turned to her feeling overwhelmed by her weight. She was stuck in her compulsion, and she knew I used to be stuck, too, but had found an answer. She knew I was in program and had seen the physical, emotional, and mental changes I was experiencing. She … Read More
Responsibility Pledge A Token of My Esteem To me, our Responsibility Pledge in OA means more than an arrangement to do something. In Spanish, the word ‘compromiso’ (commitment) can also mean ‘pledge’ or ‘token.’ A pledge is a thing that is given as security, a guarantee of completion; it is liable to forfeiture in any case of non-completion. From OA, I received an awareness of abstinence and … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Recovery To the Season I’m writing out the holiday cards, wishing everyone good cheer. Suddenly it’s holiday time, but I don’t feel holiday-ish this year. Dinner with friends and family will surely brighten the day, but being around all that food concerns me more than I can say. “Thank you, God, that’s not my food,” has worked for me before, and when they ask, … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Recovery Peaceful Ways I joined OA in 1981 weighing more than 250 pounds (113 kg), and I’ve been abstinent for thirty-five years. Because of this Fellowship, sponsors, the Steps, the Tools, slogans, and a loving HP, I have been able to be peaceful with food. I have horrible examples of how I behaved before program. For example, at our oldest son’s wedding, I … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Recovery Holiday Tools I am a grateful compulsive overeater, abstinent since I walked through the doors of OA fourteen years ago. Thank you, God! I am maintaining a 33–35 pound (15–16 kg) weight loss, one day at a time. I have greater emotional and spiritual fitness than when I came. I live a life that is happy, joyous, and free; it’s a miracle … Read More