The First Concept of OA Service: “The ultimate responsibility and authority for OA world services reside in the collective conscience of our whole Fellowship.”
As I’ve read and thought about The Twelve Concepts of OA Service over the years, I have learned from Concept One that I take responsibility for what is mine and let go of the rest. The lesson also applies to my continuous, everyday recovery: working my Tenth Step, talking with my sponsor about what is making me rumble inside and listening to my sponsor, and staying abstinent.
Through service in OA, my issue of not trusting people has come up for healing. At times when I get confused about what other people’s opinions are, I’ve learned that I don’t have to get angry. Instead, I need to listen to other points of view with an open mind and continue to check in with my Higher Power. If I do not agree with someone (and especially if they have a strong personality), I’ve learned that I don’t have to talk bad about them or make sure others understand how wrong this person is. Instead, I need to process the situation with my sponsor and get clear about what my intuition is telling me.
I may still get voted down on some issue. That is okay. I know to check my ego at the door of service work. But sometimes it does come up, and I have to look at the Steps and Traditions, talk to my sponsor, and keep unity in OA. This does not mean that I have to agree with everyone: we can agree to disagree and substantial unanimity rules.
I need to continue to take responsibility for myself. Concept One helps me keep the focus on me taking responsibility for what is mine and letting go of the rest. I’ve learned that trust blossoms in this Concept. I am trusting others and trusting myself to make decisions that will help the next compulsive overeater who still suffers.
Concept One helps me keep the focus on me taking responsibility for what is mine and letting go of the rest.
My Higher Power is taking care of what I can’t, and I let go of my control. When I need to speak up, I have learned in the past few years that I do speak up. Everyone may not agree with me and that is okay. I have to speak my truth and others need to do the same. That’s what keeps our Fellowship united and keeps recovery strong in Overeaters Anonymous.
—Barb K., Indiana USA
