This weekend I’ve had the chance to spend some time with trusted servants from all eleven OA regions, gathering to share our wins and enlist support for our challenges. 

I watched my fellows with complex service responsibilities actively applying the steps to the work they do and taking care of themselves in the process.  I definitely wanted what they had, and boy did they spend a lot of time laughing at themselves!
 
In between the business discussions there was spontaneous sharing around personal recovery and the expression of strong support for each other. 

When I look back at my service journey I’ve never stepped into a new service position without the reassurance that I would not be in it alone; that those who have gone before me would be there to answer my questions and support me.  It just seems natural for those of us in recovery to want to be helpful and pass on what we’ve learned.
 
Just as I discovered that I was not alone in my disease of compulsive overeating when I joined OA,  I am not alone in any service that I do.  It’s also my job to be available to anyone stepping into a role I’ve held. 
 
We are Never Alone!
 
Cindy C. - Region 1

Recently another Region One board member and I traveled to Hailey, Idaho to visit with the Snake River Intergroup folks. We were so welcomed. About 30 members came from all over (and that means traveling some BIG distances) to join us for a Sponsorship and Service workshop.

There are two blog topics that have emerged from our good interactions that day. I will share the first with you today and save the other for my next blog post. 

Becoming a LINK in the Chain - Giving Away What We Have Been Freely Given:

We joined in a circle holding hands. Each person turned to the person on their right as we went around and thanked that member for what we had been freely given in OA. What we heard was amazing: freedom, joy, acceptance, love, belonging, physical recovery, emotional recovery, connection with HP...the appreciation went all around.  We took those good thoughts and shared about what each of us could do to be a link in the chain to continue to make sure that OA would be there for the next compulsive eater as OA was there for us. Some of the simplest ideas are really the most profound:

• Text all the members of your meeting on meeting day
• Call/use your sponsor
• with permission, put up OA flyers at other 12 Step fellowship meetings
• send introduction letters about OA to counselors and therapists in your area
• share your peace
• Tell your doctor about OA
• When asked about that new sparkle in your eye, share your source of emotional, physical and spiritual recovery in OA
• Be a sponsor and have a sponsor
• Be willing to be a ride or contact 
• Share Lifeline
• Offer 24 hour coins at your meeting (One Day at a Time)
• Get to a meeting whether you want to or not
• Tell your nutritionist about OA
• Have sponsorship be a topic at your meeting
• USE the PHONE to reach out
• Start a new meeting
• Be brave and take a new service position

There are many ways to make sure OA is alive and well for the next compulsive eater. What are your ideas?????

Thanks to the Snake River Folks. You are wonderful!

Pat - Region 1