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.”
Readings
HP Did for Me
“In a moment of surrender, without truly believing in a Higher Power, I experienced a profound intervention that kept me abstinent and began to crumble the walls I had built around me.”
Knock, Knock
In Knock, Knock, Valerie G. reflects on her journey in Overeaters Anonymous, where a pivotal moment of openness to the concept of a Higher Power sparked a reexamination of her beliefs and a shift in her spiritual journey.
The Power is OA
n Overeaters Anonymous, I found a community that taught me to believe in a power greater than myself—not through God, but through the fellowship and support of others who understand the journey.
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.
Speed Dating for Sponsors
What happens when you apply a “speed dating” format to match up OA sponsors with sponsees? Only good things, as Christine from New Zealand describes from her experience at an OA retreat.
Light Wash
“A glass that looks so clean when out of the bright light can actually be very dirty,” notes Paulette. When she agrees reluctantly in to be held up to the light, she says “It is shocking to see me as I really am . . . . but now I know what to do about it.” The answer is in the Seventh Step.
Never and Always
“I can freely, honestly, and humbly admit that I am powerless over food,” says Carolyn M. When she takes OA’s First Step, it is not in hopeless defeat. Instead it is the beginning of a hopeful and liberating journey with a source of help that “gives me a peace I cannot describe.”