“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.
“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.”
A simple (but not easy) note of gratitude for all who contribute to Lifeline.
Naomi expresses how valuable it is to her recovery to hear the recovery stories of other OA members.
”I let it flow from my heart, and God is my cowriter,” says C.D. Indeed, writing is a powerful OA Tool.
Troy relates how portable Lifeline is and how it helps him stay in the solution while waiting for medical appointments.
Cynthia explains how the different perspectives in Lifeline can broaden one’s recovery and offer opportunities to give service.
For Crystal, Lifeline can fill in the blank spaces in her day that might otherwise be filled by eating. Lifeline can also be a good fit for an OA member with ADHD.
”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!
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.