I had an image at the OA Convention of bondage. I was duct-taped to chair (it could be ropes or chains for that matter) and struggling and wriggling to get free. I could not get myself free regardless of how I tried. I was only freed when someone else came and cut the tape and set me free. My bondage to food and to self are like that, too. Only a power outside of myself can come and set me free.
I am so grateful to be free today. One day at a time.
Tuesday, November 10, 2009
Sunday, November 8, 2009
Are you a compulsive overeater?
Are You a Compulsive Overeater?
Do you eat when you’re not hungry?
Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?
Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?
Do you give too much time and thought to food?
Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?
Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time?
Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?
Is your weight affecting the way you live your life?
Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal?
Do you resent others telling you to “use a little willpower” to stop overeating?
Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet “on your own” whenever you wish?
Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime?
Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?
Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?
Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?
Have you answered yes to three or more of these questions? If so, it is probable that you have or are well on your way to having a compulsive eating problem. We have found that the way to arrest this progressive disease is to practice the Twelve-Step recovery program of Overeaters Anonymous. Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating. We welcome everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues or fees for members; we are self-supporting through our own contributions, neither soliciting nor accepting outside donations. OA is not affiliated with any public or private organization, political movement, ideology or religious doctrine; we take no position on outside issues. Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive overeating and to carry this message of recovery to those who still suffer.
Do you eat when you’re not hungry?
Do you go on eating binges for no apparent reason?
Do you have feelings of guilt and remorse after overeating?
Do you give too much time and thought to food?
Do you look forward with pleasure and anticipation to the time when you can eat alone?
Do you plan these secret binges ahead of time?
Do you eat sensibly before others and make up for it alone?
Is your weight affecting the way you live your life?
Have you tried to diet for a week (or longer), only to fall short of your goal?
Do you resent others telling you to “use a little willpower” to stop overeating?
Despite evidence to the contrary, have you continued to assert that you can diet “on your own” whenever you wish?
Do you crave to eat at a definite time, day or night, other than mealtime?
Do you eat to escape from worries or trouble?
Have you ever been treated for obesity or a food-related condition?
Does your eating behavior make you or others unhappy?
Have you answered yes to three or more of these questions? If so, it is probable that you have or are well on your way to having a compulsive eating problem. We have found that the way to arrest this progressive disease is to practice the Twelve-Step recovery program of Overeaters Anonymous. Overeaters Anonymous is a fellowship of individuals who, through shared experience, strength and hope, are recovering from compulsive overeating. We welcome everyone who wants to stop eating compulsively. There are no dues or fees for members; we are self-supporting through our own contributions, neither soliciting nor accepting outside donations. OA is not affiliated with any public or private organization, political movement, ideology or religious doctrine; we take no position on outside issues. Our primary purpose is to abstain from compulsive overeating and to carry this message of recovery to those who still suffer.
OA Convention 2009
I have just returned home from the convention at the Hotel Sofitel in the Twin Cities, MN. It was a jammed-packed week-end (overwhelming at times!) and I will be sharing what I learned in the posts to follow. 421 compulsive over-eaters and food addicts sharing their experience, strength, and hope is a life-changing event. There were people there from all over the country and we were not "a glum lot!"
I was so blessed to be there with my sponsor, my sponsee, those who have helped me on my journey, and those I am helping. "We help each other." I met and talked with as many fellows as I could. I listened and learned from speakers on the 12 Steps and Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, the basis of the Overeater's Anonymous program of recovery.
If I gave you my card at the convention and you are visiting my blog for the 1st time, welcome!
It could be helpful for you to go the first post and read forward, so you will know the story of my journey.
I was so blessed to be there with my sponsor, my sponsee, those who have helped me on my journey, and those I am helping. "We help each other." I met and talked with as many fellows as I could. I listened and learned from speakers on the 12 Steps and Traditions of Alcoholics Anonymous, the basis of the Overeater's Anonymous program of recovery.
If I gave you my card at the convention and you are visiting my blog for the 1st time, welcome!
It could be helpful for you to go the first post and read forward, so you will know the story of my journey.
One Year Of Abstinence
It is a miracle and I am in awe. I have had 1 year of abstinence, one day at a time. I began at 191.5 pounds in Sept. 2008. I began back-to back abstinence on Nov. 1, 2008. I weighed-in on Nov. 1, 2009 at 118 pounds. I have gone from a size 18-20 to a size 0-2. But more than the physical changes, I have changed emotionally and spiritually. It is difficult to explain all the ways the 12 Step program has affected me. I have begun to experience a spiritual awakening that makes me excited about the journey I am on. My emotions of sadness, low-self-esteem, anger and resentment no longer rule my life. I am so grateful to Overeater's Anonymous-H.O.W. and its abstinent members for guiding me and teaching me. The love I have received is amazing.
On November 4 my group celebrated my 1 year birthday. It was fun and I felt so cared for and accepted. The cards and gifts I received were beautiful and unexpected. I am also grateful for my spouse, Deanna and my son, Paul for celebrating that night with me and for their continual ongoing support and love. I am blessed.
If you are reading this and are concerned about your problem with food, there is solution "beyond your wildest dreams." There are people who know your pain and who will offer assistance to you. Reach out, someone will be there to take your hand.
On November 4 my group celebrated my 1 year birthday. It was fun and I felt so cared for and accepted. The cards and gifts I received were beautiful and unexpected. I am also grateful for my spouse, Deanna and my son, Paul for celebrating that night with me and for their continual ongoing support and love. I am blessed.
If you are reading this and are concerned about your problem with food, there is solution "beyond your wildest dreams." There are people who know your pain and who will offer assistance to you. Reach out, someone will be there to take your hand.
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