In 1993, I sneaked into my first OA meeting. My shame told me you were all just crazy fat people, even crazier and fatter than I was—what could you possibly do to help me? Twenty years later, my home group was reading “Rozanne’s Story” (Overeaters Anonymous, Third Edition, pp. 7–22), and it struck me that Rozanne was … Continued
After a heartfelt visit with a friend who shared unconditional love and understanding, I felt an undeniable grace that inspired me to break free from the grip of sugar addiction and commit to abstinence—one day at a time.
Before I’d ever heard of OA or its Principles and practices, my only desire was to lose weight. I was tired and bloated and felt ten years older than I was. God intervened and put the words “Maybe you could try Overeaters Anonymous?” upon the lips of a good friend. I went to a meeting and immediately felt at … Continued
From the brink of death at 534 pounds to a miraculous recovery through Overeaters Anonymous, Carrie recounts how her journey of faith, support, and the Twelve Steps transformed her life, health, and spirit.
Throughout my entire spiritual journey through the Twelve Steps, no Step guaranteed me freedom from the obsession to eat compulsively as much as the Twelfth Step did. Every Step I took brought me closer to my Higher Power, but I never felt true peace of mind until I began taking other compulsive eaters through the Steps. … Continued
Before, I was ready to explode at any time, but now it seems that without excess food and junk food, space has opened for me to think calmly and either solve things with more serenity or . . . really deliver it to a Higher Power. I’ve reached my twenty-ninth day of abstinence. Tomorrow will … Continued
“Lifeline has truly been a written fellowship, connecting members around the world with shared experience, strength, and hope.”
“Melissa shares how the challenges of loss, grief, and personal struggle tested her long-term recovery, ultimately deepening her reliance on OA, her Higher Power, and the support of others.”
I have been an OA member for thirty-five years and abstinent from sugar and wheat products for thirty-four years. Yes, that is miraculous, but the real miracle is that this bratty girl who didn’t want to have anything to do with the spiritual part of our Twelve Step program now can’t seem to live without her Higher Power. … Continued
I’ve been thinking that a list of the common characteristics among longtime abstainers and maintainers in Overeaters Anonymous might be very revealing and helpful. In my mind, I picture all these members attributing everything on the list below to working the program—the Twelve Steps and Twelve Traditions—into their daily lives: They have a healthy and conscious relationship with … Continued