Tools & Concepts Whatever It Takes I am writing this as one of the assignments my sponsor gives me. She asked me to write on the action plan Tool. As I understand this Tool, it means using whatever it takes to help me achieve and maintain my abstinence. What actions have I started to take to help me do this? I make sure I get to … Read More
Tools & Concepts Sustaining Actions Working my program by attending special-topic meetings that use the OA-HOW meeting format has taught me how to create an action plan. I’ve also developed the muscle to sustain it and the self-discipline to follow it. Here are ten things that help me work my action plan: Remember abstinence. Abstinence is the most important thing in my life without exception. … Read More
Relapse Slipping & Sliding Newly Willing I joined OA in January 2016. Though I consistently attended meetings, I could not get more than four months of continuous abstinence. Program has been a miracle—I remember a time when I couldn’t go more than twenty-four hours without bingeing, restricting, or over-exercising—but I still found myself frustrated. Slips began with compulsive habits creeping back: taking little nibbles of food … Read More
Service Food Processor This morning I was struck by the thought that preparation is a key element in my plan of eating and has a significant place in my daily action plan. Before OA, I made meals, but it wasn’t the same. Now, I am willing to commit the time it takes to think out a menu; shop for the ingredients (or, lucky … Read More
Service Write, Camera – Action! I want to let you know how much the action plan Tool means to me. I tried OA fifteen years ago but just wasn’t ready. When I came back to the program, I read about the action plan in my Newcomer Packet. I started using it the very next day. Since then, I’ve been abstinent with only two breaks (early … Read More
Service Aspire More and Think As a returnee to OA after many years of “research,” I discovered the action plan Tool. I love it. Here’s an action plan I made for myself: To get and stay abstinent, I ASPIRE MORE and THINK. When I feel an oncoming urge to eat compulsively, I: A—Allow six minutes before eating. I set timers in the kitchen and other places … Read More
Service Situation-Specific Early in my recovery, I realized my yearning to be spontaneous kept me in bondage to my disease. I put things off until life got out of control; then my anxiety escalated, my character defects flared up, and the food started talking to me. I learned to make a daily action plan that organized healthy meals (with enough time to … Read More
Service Prep Time I recently attended an OA workshop about working an action plan. The leader shared many examples of how she uses this Tool in her recovery, while other members asked questions and shared their experience as well. I felt inspired in this roomful of recovery, but I also felt a nagging worry about such plans. After all, my self-will has created … Read More
Service Forget Me Not When reflecting on our precious Tools of recovery, I always forget one (probably the one I need to concentrate on most). So I use a mnemonic device to help me recall all of the Tools: And Action plan Please Plan of eating Spend Sponsorship More Meetings Time … Read More
How OA Changed My Life Growing Up in OA No one comes to a Twelve Step program on an upswing, and I was no exception. I was overweight and felt certain foods were the problem. I asked my husband of eighteen years to move out; I thought he was the problem. I wasn’t communicating well with my adult children, so they were the problem. Meanwhile, an acquaintance from another … Read More
