What Helped Me Find Abstinence Was Working the Steps

I concentrated on what I could do, rather than what I was unable to stop doing. For me, that was hope.

When I came to OA, I was miserably overweight, engaged in disturbed eating behaviors, was emotionally upset, and was unable to diet anymore. What I found was hope, support, understanding, and a power greater than food. 

It has been challenging and not easy over the years. It has been like peeling an onion and finding more and more layers. Major life events included divorce, layoffs from work, and mid-life changes to my food plan due to food allergies. I also relapsed and came back to OA. I renewed my connection in the Fellowship and with my Higher Power.

What helped me find abstinence was working the Steps. I concentrated on what I could do, rather than what I was unable to stop doing. For me, that was hope. Over the years I lost 100 pounds (45 kg) and gained back 30 (13.6 kg), and I am slowly whittling that away. This has all occurred in many stages. I have reminded myself throughout this ongoing and lifelong process “Each day that we live well, we are well . . .” (The Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions of Overeaters Anonymous, Second Edition, p. 87). Most important is that I am now “. . . walking hand in hand with the Spirit of the Universe“ (Alcoholics Anonymous, Fourth Edition, p. 75). 

I am not the poster child for OA, but it has worked for me. I am not perfect, but I have a stable relationship with food and eating behaviors.

—Carol M., Washington USA