Newcomers More to Me I’ll start with an example of how distorted my thinking was when I first came to OA, even with Step One: “Of course my life had become unmanageable—but how could I be powerless over food? I’m an anorexic. Food is the only thing in my life I’ve had power over.” That didn’t sound quite right, so then I got to … Read More
Gratitude I Belong I was asked to speak at an upcoming convention and to describe my perspective as an anorexic. I was concerned about sharing some of the details of my story; I thought other members of the OA Fellowship might not identify with me because I have never overeaten or binged, only restricted and starved. As I prepared my talk, however, I … Read More
Abstinence Abstinence Adjustments I joined OA in 1978 when I was 51 years old. In the beginning, my abstinence adhered to a strict, weighed and measured, very low carbohydrate plan. One extra green bean and I started over. I had a sponsor and was blessed with willingness from the beginning. I attended meetings and went to coffee afterward to share and learn. I … Read More
How OA Changed My Life OA Found Me Prior to entering Overeaters Anonymous in September 2004, I was a 25-year-old woman who could not break free of the binge and starve merry-go-round. My troubled relationship with food began at an early age. During my early teens, my food restriction was progressive. I was already fearful of my capacity for eating enormous amounts of food. This culminated in a … Read More