I am a completely different person today than when I came into food recovery in 2011. I think I am different on a cellular level. Why? Because I am no longer absorbed in food thoughts. My life for decades was directed by whether and what to eat. These thoughts occupied many hours each day! But until I came to OA …

This is my third time back in OA. At first, I came when my mother needed the program. I came back a second time for myself, but I still thought of OA as a calorie-counting club with a diet. This time I know better, and I am back for the Twelve Steps. What else is different this time? I can …

I have found differences between “trying to be abstinent” versus “being willing to be abstinent.” If I am trying to be abstinent, I am in a state of great confusion. If I am willing to be abstinent, I am in a state of great humility. Trying to be abstinent implies I should be able to do it, but I am …

I awakened abstinent today, clearheaded and present. Wow. Another day, G-d! It’s a far cry from the hangover of a binge. I call my caring sponsor each morning at 7 a.m. to commit to myself, to her, and to the G-d of my understanding my three planned, delicious, abundant meals. When I write down and prepare my meals, it sets the tone …

When I read “Our Invitation to You” (Overeaters Anonymous, Third Edition, pp. 1–5), what comes to mind is this: “I have to act myself into right thinking; I cannot think myself into right action.” Because my disease centers in my mind, this slogan summarizes both the problem and the way out of the problem. I take certain actions daily, which …

I have thoroughly enjoyed giving service as intergroup newsletter chair for the past two years. It’s been a pleasure to read articles of recovery from enthusiastic members and compile them into a final product each month. When I first ran for newsletter chair, I really didn’t know what I was doing. However, I knew from previous experience with OA service …