Before OA, food ruled Dodie’s every waking moment, even from a very early age. In college, Dodie weighed 215 pounds (97.5 kg) and felt trapped in ugliness. When she realized she had a problem with food, she found OA, and now maintains a 85-pound (38.5-kg) weight loss.
Matt, a young person in OA, talks about his recovery journey and the impact that other OA members had on him as they carried the message to him through their example of taking themselves and the OA program seriously.
In this short story, Laurie expresses her gratitude for the virtual Fellowship and virtual options for working the program. For Laurie, a mix of face-to-face meetings and virtual meetings has saved her life and her recovery.
Have you ever wondered if you can have success in recovery with a sponsor who is not like you. Yes you can says one anonymous OA member. “We are not all alike . . . . What is so wonderful about my sponsor is that she is a really good listener. . . . she trusts the process.”
“My sponsor reminds me there is no such thing as a good or bad sponsor,” says S.S. “All have taught me something and have been examples of what I want or do not want to do.” If you are looking for a sponsor, this story can broaden your perspective.
Is it necessary that you find a sponsor who follows your plan of eating? Let’s take a closer look at this question with a response written by a member of the OA Board of Trustees.
Can you start sponsoring with only a month of abstinence? Yes. Can you start if you are only on Step Three? Yes. Can sponsoring someone only take 10 minutes a day? Yes. Will sponsoring fill your life with gratitude? You bet!
Christina made the mistake of waiting to get a sponsor . . . and she is sharing her story now so you don’t have to make that same mistake. “Don’t wait,” she says. “Recovery awaits!”
Kelly is a newcomer who is working Step Three. “Having a sponsor has been a vital part of working my program,” she says. “Without their guidance, I would not know what or how to prioritize.”
Chris B. reflects on the personal challenges that come with sponsorship and just how essential sponsorship is to recovery. “Consider my hand forever raised for being available to sponsor,” says Chris.