In Good Stead

I joined OA in 2009. Below is a list of behaviors and actions I took (in addition to getting a sponsor, working the Twelve Steps, and using the Tools) in the past eighteen months that helped me stay abstinent and spiritually and emotionally recover. Without the program, I don’t think I could have done these things for myself. I live life imperfectly, but I do the things below more and more, and they make my life rich and full.

• I ride my bike to feel the air against my face instead of driving.
• I take public transportation to be with others instead of driving alone.
• I take walks to be out in society.
• I sit in the sun instead of inside.
• I go to sleep early instead of watching TV.
• I make calls to friends instead of obsessing.
• I move forward instead of staying in fear.
• I weigh my food in public instead of thinking about what others might think of my weighing it.
• I meet up with friends even when I don’t want to.
• I sponsor instead of just being sponsored.
• I buy presents for others’ recovery anniversaries instead of being lazy and hoarding my time, affection, and money.
• I stay quiet or neutral instead of demanding my opinion be heard.
• I pause.
• I do nothing instead of forcing.
• I dress becomingly even when I don’t like what my body looks like in the mirror.
• I leave work early instead of pushing myself harder.
• I exercise outside instead of in a gym.
• I pay the bill when I go out with friends.
• I cry instead of holding it in because I can and I get to—I say so.
• I give more than the suggested Seventh Tradition amount because my finances will be okay.
• I wait ten minutes before I respond to a triggering text message.
• I wait until I talk to a sponsor and write in my journal before I talk to my significant other about a sensitive topic.
• I don’t respond to phone calls or emails after 10 p.m.
• I tell my sponsor, my significant other, and my friends important things even when I feel scared, awkward, and embarrassed.
• I try new things at work even when I’m afraid I’ll make a mistake.
• I ask recovering OA members for help with food decisions because history tells me I can’t do it on my own.
• I let go of obsessing about food because I can trust God and my recovering self.

— Joanna, Washington, D.C. USA