Did you know that the opposite of anonymous is “onymous”? How different would our lives be if we were Overeaters Onymous? I believe that OO would not still be around if we published member lists and our before-and-after pictures or if we gossiped about meeting discussion. Sometimes, I forget the power of that little “An,” but it is easy to …

The OA-HOW structured meeting format says to avoid sharing with others the names of anyone who sponsors me or whom I sponsor. I avoid discussing with third parties particular identifying details of what other OA members share with me unless the member has given me permission to do so. If another member begins to mention in casual conversation an OA member …

OA suggests that personal anonymity be practiced not only when we meet or talk about someone in the outside world but also within our Fellowship. The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, Second Edition clearly discusses the dangers of “setting certain members on pedestals” (p. 166) and suggests we take care not to “mention OA members’ names to …

Recently, I experienced having my anonymity broken. It was painful, but in working through it, I was guided by my sponsor to look inward and to HP, which led me to face some of my own choices. Do I gossip or tolerate hearing gossip? Do I walk away from situations where anonymity is being rejected or neglected? Do I nurture …

After not seeing a regular attendee at my home meeting for several months, I decided to call to see how they were doing. This person was really glad to hear from me but had decided to attend an outside support group for eating issues and reported having much success with abstinence and physical recovery. We had a great conversation, and …

Since coming to program in 2006, I’ve struggled with the idea of anonymity as a Tool of recovery: a Principle and Tradition, yes, but a Tool? The other Tools (a plan of eating, sponsorship, meetings, telephone, writing, literature, action plan, and sponsorship) have an identifiable action or directive I can take, plan, do, go, call, write, or read. Anonymity felt like …

Our OA literature reminds us that nothing in life is permanent. Change is natural and can involve losses, including the ultimate loss, death. In recovery, we learn to show up—for ourselves, our OA fellows, our families, and our communities. Sometimes, we need to show up for the rituals that attend the death of someone cherished. We can celebrate his or …

My understanding and appreciation of anonymity has gone through several evolutions. At first, I clutched onto the security and safety that no one would tell anyone else that they saw me here. Deep feelings of shame, humiliation, vanity, human respect, and all facets of my public face sought the protection of anonymity. Gradually, I relaxed and began to identify with …

My perspective on the Tools has changed, and I’ve been reflecting on why that’s happened. When I first worked the Steps with my sponsor, I realized that the Steps were what would bring recovery. But I also learned that I needed to look after my spiritual condition lest I be enticed by food. Whenever I had a food thought— and …

Please keep stepping. I am following you, watching. Please keep serving. I am needing you, calling. Please keep sharing. I am learning from you, listening. Please keep praying. I am kneeling with you, awakening. Please keep reading. I am quoting you, speaking. Please keep confiding. I am counting on you, protecting. Please keep planning. I am writing with you, abstaining. …