Literature Tools & Concepts Powerful Points I am thankful for the story “Transformational Awakening” and the thoughts shared about what a spiritual awakening has meant for the author. The list of signs was very powerful and gave me a lot to contemplate. Two bullet points in particular, “Not feeling good with my old entourage” and “Losing interest in worrying,” really stuck with me, and I have read … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Abstinent Now I am writing to echo sentiments from “Print Preference.” I came to OA in 1986 and have abstained from sugar since then and have been maintaining a 100-pound (45-kg) weight loss. Words cannot express the gratitude I have for the gift of OA, for the gift of a life free from food obsession and bondage, and for a life in … Read More
Abstinence Before the First Bite Just what is compulsive overeating? I’ve not had to wonder about that, because my first sponsor made it very clear, as does the Big Book, that we’re talking about the first compulsive bite: the first bite of “more than planned,” the first bite of “a bit more,” the first bite of a food I do not eat today, and the … Read More
Fellowship Print Preference I got my voice in Overeaters Anonymous. No one wanted to listen to me at 304 pounds (138 kg). They seemed to think I had no right to speak or they didn’t have to listen. If I couldn’t control my eating, it must’ve meant I wasn’t smart. Well, I would now like to use my voice to tell you and everyone … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Double Wow I love Lifeline. It gives me so many nuggets of wisdom. Here are two from page 25 of the April 2019 issue: “I was committing suicide by fork.” Wow—what a description of relapse! I’ve been there, and I get it. “I could remain happily neutral around food.” Another wow! That truly speaks recovery to me! Today, I am not suicidal. … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Self-Sustaining Abstinence Did you know that OA exists in Barillas, Guatemala? I am writing to you from a small, rural village outside of the town. Today is Thanksgiving Day in America. My heart is full of gratitude, and my belly is not stuffed from overeating holiday treats! My two teens, my husband, and I have spent the last four days with the … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Truly a Gift My first sponsor was a temporary sponsor, and as a newcomer, I felt funny talking to a stranger about my issues with food. I didn’t want a sponsor, but he was there for me. I started emailing him my meal plan. I read articles from Lifeline magazine and then wrote to my temporary sponsor. I was obsessed with everything food, even … Read More
Abstinence Share It Compelling Benefits I have been reading Lifeline for years and have loved many articles, but this is the first time I felt compelled to respond to an article. I really loved “You Just Might Be” (February 2019), which lists off many indicators, in a humorous way, to tell if you’re abstinent or not. I could relate so much! The first time I … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Taking Initiative I recently became a Lifeline rep. One of my initiatives was to get my home group to subscribe to Lifeline, not just for us, but for outreach too. We ordered one print subscription for our group plus three additional subscriptions. We keep our three extra issues in a special bag. When a newcomer shows up for a first meeting, we … Read More
Share It Table and Field I was interested in the Lifeline article concerning kneeling while praying (“Prayer Positions,” October 2018). There is no way my knees will allow me to kneel for any reason. I start my day reading my OA literature, writing a thank-you letter to God, and praying while sitting at a table. In my younger days, I often sent my most fervent … Read More
