Fourth Step Persistence
Julie was abused as a child, but understand that everyone in OA has challenges in addition to overcoming compulsive eating. “For me, it all begins with willingness,” she says.
Steps and Traditions
The Springboard
“The Eighth Step is the springboard for creating genuinely healthy relationships, based on honesty, humility, balance, appreciation, and objectivity,” says one OA member. Sometimes, though, becoming willing to make direct amends takes time.
Group-Level Effort
“The longer I’m in program, the more I realize I don’t know what will work for anyone other than myself,” says one OA member. “I practice the Spiritual Principle of Tradition Eight: fellowship.”
To Ask
”In the past, I would try to make myself feel humble,” says Maureen. “I would change my facial expression. I’ve had a new insight when reading Step Seven: humility is an action!
The Value of OA
When we pass the basket, we call it “the Seventh Tradition” because it represents how we feel about being self-supportinga. It’s more than a donation. It’s a barometer of our gratitude and our personal investment in our recovery.
IDEA Activity: Pen a Principle
“Elaine G. reflects on the transformative power of humility and Step Seven, capturing her journey through abstinence and surrender in a heartfelt poem during an International Day Experiencing Abstinence celebration.”
Priceless Peace
Anonymous was so afraid of financial insecurity that stealing was normal. But the Big Book promises came true for him before getting halfway through his Step Nine amends.
Skye’s No-Limit
When Anonymous asked God to help curb her impulse purchases, a homeless woman named Skye showed up and provided an opportunity to shop charitably and make a living amend
Imagine If
We can better appreciate Tradition Nine by imagining if OA was organized by VIPs and from the top down.
Tradition Two: “Take a Walk Down the Traditions” Video Series
A short explanation of OA‘s Second Tradition: “For our group purpose there is but one ultimate authority — a loving God as He may express Himself in our group conscience. Our leaders are but trusted servants; they do not govern.”