My favorites among the literature are The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous and the AA Twelve and Twelve. Both books have helped me, especially with Step Seven. I struggle so much with the character defect of pride, and I find the antidote in the Principle of Step Seven: humility. Before OA, I didn’t even know how to …

I used to joke that when I first came into program, I was very proud of my humility. Not that I knew what humility was—I thought of it more as self-deprecating behavior. And I really did not think I had a problem with it. Now I think of it as balance. And I know I have a problem with it. …

“Our path in OA transcends weight loss and a return to emotional health.” —Seeking the Spiritual Path I used what I call my “God Box” yesterday and the day before because I was desperate to rid myself of all the negativity, insecurity, and despair I was feeling—and even hatred. I was so alone . . . at least I felt …

The Seventh Step is one of the most important in my recovery. Every Step is crucial, of course, but Step Seven holds a special place in my heart. For me, it is the realization of a miracle. I ask my HP, whom I call God, to remove my resentments, fears, drivenness, and obsession with control (or illusions of control), and …

The hardest character defect for me to accept was anger. After years of depression and stuffing down my feelings, I actually believed that anger was an asset because it energized me. But when a valued friend told me my anger made me unbearable to be around, I cried (crying is the first step in surrender for me), and I realized …

I’ve been reading and studying Steps Six and Seven in the past weeks. I’ve become particularly watchful and aware of my major character defects, and I truly believe I should take these Steps daily in order to keep working toward what Higher Power wants for me. Recently, I was in the company of a colleague whom I admire and like; …