“Most of us are used to the Fellowship as the place where we are listened to unconditionally, supported, and loved,” says Samantha. “Then we come to intergroup, and suddenly we are met with competing needs, desires, and ideas.” Sam reports the lessons she has learned from working with others in her intergroup.
Maddie has been abstinent in OA for one week. “It’s terrible to admit . . . a destructive obsession with food,” she says. “But until we are ready to admit defeat, our abstinence will be on shaky ground.”
“In our area, we are struggling to attract and retain new members,” says Heather from New Zealand. “I have been mentored over the years . . . to share the solution. This writing is the service I can do today.” Read how Heather works her program daily.
After struggling with weight and atheism, Frank H. found a Higher Power within himself, transforming his approach to recovery through Overeaters Anonymous.
“So many people set powerful examples that I want to emulate,” says OA member Rhonda after experiencing her first OA Convention. “I am very grateful for the organizers of this World Service Convention and all it offered everyone”
Barbara recounts the two World Service Conventions she attended, and says, “Conventions are a great place to strengthen recovery, find a sponsor, make new friends, nurture existing OA relationships, and allow ourselves to have some fun.”
Even with two relapses, Christine has found that life in the OA program is immeasurably better than life before OA. “Abstinence is the most important thing in my life,” she says.
“After several years of my sugar-free food plan, everyone started getting on my last nerve,” says Judith. But TWICE when she hopped into her car and set off to get a trigger food, Higher Power had a different plan.
What does it look like to be a compulsive eater? The answer is it depends, but what Meg B. from California knows for sure is that being a compulsive eater in recovery means getting to be a gracious and honorable human being.
At her first World Service Convention, Aleta reconnected with OA members who she knew only virtually or hadn’t seen in 20 years. “I was thrilled to see so many people who had been around and stayed for for so long.”