Steps Reading the Steps Aloud Q. As a recovering anorexic/bulimic, I’ve been encouraged over the past thirty years by the addition of more inclusive wording in our literature, such as the phrase “compulsive food behaviors.” Has any thought been given to gender-neutral modifications to the Twelve Steps? When I read them, I say: “care of God/Higher Power as we understand that Higher Power” and “Humbly … Read More
Steps Traditions Memorializing OA Members 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 … Read More
Steps All Day Long In June 1991, I finally figured out for sure that I’m a compulsive eater. So, I found a local OA meeting and haven’t left, nor do I plan to. OA is clearly the last house on the block for me. My story is one of very slow progress. At this point, I’ve been abstaining since the end of January 2005. … Read More
Recovery Working the Program Which Word I didn’t focus so much on the word “abstinence” in the March Lifeline Ask-It Basket until I read a Share It in the August issue that expressed and explained why. I, a longtime OA member, have always struggled with the word “abstinence.” It took me several years to come to terms with that word. In fact, coming to terms was … Read More
Recovery Doubly Troubled About the Ask-It Basket in the July 2019 issue, how could the trustee who responded, writing that OA does not offer food plans at meetings, not have read the new Where Do I Start? pamphlet? Pages 13–17 are devoted entirely to, perhaps not “food plans,” but “plans of eating.” How are these different? One plan of eating looks rather similar to old gray sheet. … Read More
Recovery Fad Free In the July 2019 issue, I read an OA slogan that was new to me “Eat light and feel right; Eat right and feel light!” Really?! Do we need a slogan about food in OA? Whatever happened to the basic idea that “we are not a ‘diet club?’” (Overeaters Anonymous, Third Edition, p. 2). What impression will this new slogan … Read More
Fellowship Recovery Soak Up the Recovery and Fellowship I always get excited just thinking about World Service Convention. These are events not to miss! I have attended almost every World Service Convention since 1995, and I’ve attended lots of workshops at them, but it is the connection with other members that keeps me coming back. My first Convention, in 1995, was themed “Heart of Recovery,” and it was … Read More
Steps Traditions Guardian of My Recovery 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 … Read More
Steps Life is Great I’ve been in program for four years and abstinent three. Every day is a miracle. I use a special email signature: “Life is great, and it’s only going to get better, if I let it.” The signature is all about surrender. I have to get out of my Higher Power’s way so he can work in my life. I’ve learned … Read More
Fellowship A Great Help I just wanted to tell you that I got abstinent reading the March 2019 issue of Lifeline, having not been abstinent in three years. I also wanted to mention what a great help Lifeline has been, because I can’t get to meetings right now. I look forward to every issue and read it from cover to cover. It will help … Read More
