Traditions What Price Freedom? I remember my last binge very clearly. I called my local OA office that night, and I will never forget the woman I spoke to and how glad I was to speak to an actual person. A few days later, she took me to my first meeting. Since that day (more than ten years ago), through the grace of God, … Read More
Working the Program Concept Practices Hi, I am a compulsive overeater and have been in OA for twenty-six years. I have been abstinent for almost three years and have lost about 200 pounds (90 kg). In the beginning, Bill W. turned away from the bar to carry the message of recovery to Dr. Bob. From one person to another, from one service to another, Twelve … Read More
Service Doctor’s Reasons In Dr. Bob’s Nightmare (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., pp. 171– 181), Dr. Bob states four reasons for passing on what he has learned to others who badly want recovery. Among them is a sense of duty: “I am paying my debt to the man who took time to pass it on to me” (p.181). Because I had sponsors who gave … Read More
Traditions Tradition 11: Attractive Anonymity Living in a small town, I found it difficult to maintain anonymity. At first, I did not want anyone to know I was a member of OA. My meeting took place in the church I attended, so I felt somewhat uncomfortable. Later, I helped the members find another meeting space. Then there was the challenge of finding ways to attract … Read More
Traditions Tradition 6: Simplicity With money, property, or prestige comes responsibility. We already have enough responsibility. When anyone, anywhere, reaches for help, I want the hand of OA to always be there, and for that I am responsible. I struggle along well enough, one day at a time, in this world of confusion and misunderstanding. I get some relief from my addiction, and then … Read More
Responsibility Pledge A Hand Up When I reflect on my life before I embraced recovery in Overeaters Anonymous, I can only describe it as a vast, dark, dry, soulless wasteland. My old life ended on June 9, 2009, the day of my second entry into Overeaters Anonymous. I was immediately abstinent and this time (one day at a time) it “took.” I’m not sure why . … Read More
OA Responsibility Pledge That Certain Sense Always to extend the hand and heart of OA to all who share my compulsion; for this I am responsible. Feeling responsible assumes first that a person has gained something; the gainer then wants to repay for that gain. When asked to write about our Responsibility Pledge, I thought to look first at what I have gained from OA. When … Read More
Abstinence All My Affairs I sit here at 1:00 in the morning; I just finished some work on my latest job. I’m not irritable, restless, or even resentful about anything. After running around all day and having both a late dinner and work meeting, I’m just tired! After four years of abstinence, I’m in this place where I’m just scared of doing it wrong. … Read More