Steps The Big Payoff I took Step Nine, completely and thoroughly, thirty-one years ago. I’d been a compulsive thief and cheat and often a manipulator and bully, so I had a lot of cleaning up to do. My sponsor kept me at it, doing one thing each day. It might be searching for a phone number for someone I hadn’t seen in fifteen years, … Read More
Share It Art Accents I have thought several times that I need to write to Lifeline and tell you how much I appreciate the artwork, photos, and graphics that go with the articles. It’s obvious that a lot of time and talent goes into choosing the graphics, which really accent the message of the words. Thank you for your service in this manner. — … Read More
Fellowship Recovery A Little Food Plan History Q. When did OA stop publishing gray and orange sheet pamphlets? A. At the 1987 World Service Business Conference, a new policy statement was adopted, after which the gray and orange sheet food plans were removed from publication. The policy was amended and then rescinded but last read: “The OA 1997 World Service Business Conference, after careful consideration, believes that … Read More
lifeline Share It Cover Blown I’m from a very diverse area and have been in OA for forty-three years. I noticed the cover of the March Lifeline has only white people represented. We’ve had a lot of discussion about race in OA, and it’s caused our meetings to become aware of this kind of lack of understanding of racial issues. Can we do something to … Read More
Share It Boost in Print I often think of sending some words of gratitude to Lifeline, but I put it off and put it off. My addictive voice tells me that what I write has to be perfect, timely, brilliant— and that’s not true! I am deeply grateful and appreciative to all who contribute, all who work to put Lifeline together month after month, and … Read More
Share It Packed with Promise I finished the August 2014 issue of Lifeline last week and really enjoyed it. I can never read too much about the promises. I also enjoyed reading an article of mine that I submitted several years ago. I received a letter saying it would be published in the August issue, but the funny thing was I couldn’t find it right … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Stories from Others When I read another person’s story, a personal share, it reminds me I have a story as well, and I have nothing to be ashamed of or embarrassed about. I learn so much from others; their experience helps me get through my own. The stories help me look inside myself more and see and feel how much I can relate to … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Right Sized I’m a relapse survivor. I was in OA for about five years in the 1980s. Though I was in a formal religious system, I had no personal HP, so it should come as no surprise that I never achieved any long-term abstinence or serenity. I was using OA as a diet club. Being a compulsive reader, I collected all the OA … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Meeting Between Meetings Thanks to Lifeline I have something to read when I don’t have enough to do and would otherwise eat. I can sit down after a long day and relax with a Lifeline magazine. Reading Lifeline inspires me, and it’s a way to get a meeting in between meetings, like having open sharing, only more organized and with a theme. It … Read More
Literature Tools & Concepts Uplifting Thoughts I’m grateful to be abstinent, by the grace of God and the power of the Twelve Steps, for twenty-one years and five months. I’ve lost about 55 pounds (25 kg), and I’m blessed to be at goal weight. Reading Lifeline expands my recovery and helps me see my recovery from a different perspective. Sometimes, I get stuck in my self-centered thinking, … Read More