I have been mentored over the years not to dwell in the problem but rather to share the solution, and thus, this writing is the service I can do today.
I have been thoughtful lately about further service that I need to engage in to progress in my recovery. Currently, our two small groups seem so static, and while I love my fellowship friends, I ask myself how my Step Twelve is going and am I doing all I can to share our life-saving program with the still-suffering compulsive overeater? Is someone struggling with the despair and desolation of the disease and not able to find our safe haven and guaranteed solution, because I have been complacent?
In our area, we are struggling to attract and retain new members. Recently, our intergroup folded due to lack of members, thus no longer were we self-supporting on any level. Our groups have a handful of members with long-term abstinence and others in erratic and frustrating cycles, being teased and tossed around with our cunning, baffling, and deviously debilitating disease.
I have been mentored over the years not to dwell in the problem but rather to share the solution, and thus, this writing is the service I can do today. It is, after all, a one day at a time program.
For today, these are the recovery steps I take:
- On awakening, I get on my knees and pray to the God of my understanding.
- During this time, I try to still my mind and listen for my God’s leading. (My less-than-perfect but quite-okay effort at meditation.)
- I currently read from the Big Book, pages:
- 24–25
- 68
- 84 to the top of 86
- 86–90
- 100 (second paragraph)
- I recite from memory, the Principles of the Steps and Traditions.
- I read from two daily readers.
- I write in my journal about whatever is on top for me or whatever has been stirred within from my readings.
- I continue writing and make a short comment under each of these headings:
- Surrender: What do I surrender today?
- Outstanding: What in particular will I aim to be outstanding at today?
- Grateful: What am I grateful for this morning?
- Pray for: Who am I especially thinking of today?
This is my daily early morning routine, done before the busyness of my regular day begins. It prepares me to be of service in my world today, centering me and focusing me in the right place.
- During the day, I try to practice program principles in all my affairs. This can happen with varying degrees of conscious contact and connection, but I know program is always accessible. It is at the foundation of my daily living, no matter what, and that is a golden gift. When I muck up, I know just what to do. When I celebrate a success, I know just what to do. This sure is a program that works for and in all situations.
- I make a reach-out phone call every day, just to connect with another member and know that we are all in this together. If a newcomer has attended our meeting, I aim to phone this person during the week to further welcome them and offer answers to any questions. I’ve been there—walking into a Twelve Step program can be terrifying and our friendliness and early encouragement and identification is vital.
- I email my sponsor (who lives in another country) once a week, and more if the need arises. I have a commitment to do this, no matter what and whether or not I have things to discuss—I just do it! We have a wonderful relationship, and I value my sponsor so dearly.
- I take daily food plan commitments and phone calls from sponsees.
- I attend two regular meetings per week.
- Before bed at night:
- I write my food plan for the following day in my diary
- I recite “When we retire at night…..” (Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, p. 86)
- I write in my journal, using this format:
A = How was my physical abstinence today?
E = How was my emotional space today?
I = What did I do for myself today?
O = What did I do for others today?
U = What did I uncover about myself today?
S = How was my spiritual connection today?
G = What am I grateful for tonight?
A daily routine is pivotal to my daily recovery and allows me to function at maximum usefulness in my world today.
Service comes in all shapes and sizes, and I am so grateful that the “God prod” I got today, was to sit, write, and share. Connecting with fellow sufferers strengthens me beyond measure and my gratitude overflows. Thank you for letting me share.
—Heather E., Wellington, New Zealand
