The Covid pandemic has had a particular and lasting effect on OA: the rise of online and hybrid meetings. As we negotiates the merits of returning to face-to-face meetings, K.S. from California USA uses this moment to call attention to the subtle prejudices in our Fellowship that denigrate OA members with compromised bodily health.
I opened my heart to my Higher Power’s will and discovered I was a part of the worldwide Fellowship. I walked into my first OA meeting alone and afraid. I had been defeated by food, weight, and life. I was desperate. In the meeting, I found OA members who wanted to help me. They reached … Continued
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.
In this story, two OA members share their paths to recovery. One is marked by the significant decision to change sponsors. The other, trying different meetings until landing upon the right specific-focus meeting. Says one of the members, “Thank you, OA, for embracing and encouraging diversity. No matter where I am in my recovery process, my needs are met.”
Part of a Unity with Diversity series of stories from the February 2018 Lifeline, OA members Heidi and Lynda demonstrate how the diverse paths of a) coming back to meetings regardless and b) avoiding OA altogether for 30 years can both lead us (eventually) to unity and recovery.
Binge eating can affect anyone, regardless of gender, ethnicity, and age. Denise, age 62, and Matt, who came into OA at age 21 both share their experiences and the strength, hope, and solution that they have found in OA.