Work the Workbook

Prior to May 1979, I was unhappy, overweight, and miserable. I ate to console myself, and things got worse with every binge. The vicious cycle was a major part of my life, and I saw no way out.

Fast-forward thirty-six years, and I have been blessed with many miracles. Abstinence has become the most important thing in my life, and I live by the Steps, Tools, and Principles of the program.

One of the Tools I use is writing, and I encourage everyone to take advantage of the workbooks we have. I read Voices of Recovery with one sponsee, and we share what we write in the Voices of Recovery Workbook. I write in the For Today Workbook with another sponsee, and again we share what we write. The wonderful thing about answering workbook questions is that it is like working Steps Four and Ten. I feel layers peel off the onion every day that I write in these workbooks.

As an example, I’ll share what I wrote for the question “How does continuing to practice the Steps and their principles give my life purpose and direction?” (Voices of Recovery Workbook, p. 57). I wrote, “I need to practice the Steps, the Principles, and the Tools every day to remind myself that I am a compulsive overeater. By continuing to use them, I allow myself, along with my Higher Power, to take my life in a more positive direction. Without following the OA program, I would remain stagnant with no direction in sight.”

Today, I can honestly say that I am a grateful compulsive overeater. If I had not had a food problem, I never would have found the Twelve Step program.

— Elmer Z., Oceanside, California USA