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My Stuck-At-Home OA Toolbox

9/29/2019

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​​“Meetings give us an opportunity to identify our common problem, confirm our common solution through the Twelve Steps and share the gifts we receive through this program.  In addition to face-to-face meetings, OA offers telephone and online meetings.”  Overeaters Anonymous – The Tools of Recovery (abridged).

I’ve been “stuck” at home lately while work is being done on my house.  I’m used to being able to go to local OA meetings pretty much any day I want to, but right now I’m almost three weeks into a stay-at-home experience filled with the sounds of noisy tools:  hammers, power saws, nail guns…. 

It took me a full week to realize that I could pick up an OA tool I rarely use—phone meetings.  When I finally dialed in, I lucked into a really good speaker meeting and heard an inspiring story of recovery – an OA member sharing “what it was like, what happened to change that, and what it’s like now.”  I was filled with gratitude for the ability to join a meeting right from my home, and for a fellow OA member willing to share her story of HOPE.  It turned my noisy day right around!

On another phone meeting, there were 25 people on the line, but the moderator had to ask several times for someone to give service by reading the 12 Steps.  Everyone stayed silent.  This is something I’ve not experienced in my face-to-face meetings, so I was surprised.  I felt like a “visitor” to the meeting, and waited, assuming a “regular” would jump in to do service.  Then I realized that perhaps others were multi-tasking (as was I) and could not unmute to read.  I quickly dried my hands on a dishtowel, rushed upstairs to get an OA book, and was back in time to read the 12 Traditions for the meeting.  Magically, that very small act of service (another OA Tool) made me feel useful and changed  my day for the better.

After the workers left today, I noticed a nail in the driveway.  Then another, and another…  My story of hope is this:  In the “old days” I would have called the contractor and demanded they return immediately.  Then, because this was what I always had to do with anger, I would have gotten something to eat. 

But the 12 Steps have taught me a better way of living…one that allows me to give myself and others a break.  I went into the house, got a small bowl, and spent the next thirty minutes outside in a light rain, carefully scanning the ground.  I filled the little bowl with nails, feeling a small sense of satisfaction as I spotted each one.  Somehow, I actually enjoyed the task!   :)

So grateful for OA!

Beverly M. – Region 1

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MAGIC:  Me Accepting God's In Charge

9/9/2019

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I was thinking about the actions I need to take in this program to stay “on the beam.”  For me, my continued recovery is all about taking the next right step.  Not the next 10 steps, not the whole path.  Not the Google map with the highlighted route, just the next step.

I’m so aware of the lies I can tell myself about which step to take.  These non-truths affect the decisions that I make.  They affect my next right move.

If this program is all about action, what am I doing?  I mean, there is an entire chapter in the Big Book that says “Into Action.”  Not “Into Thinking about it.”  Not “Resting on my laurels because I’m doing pretty good right now.”

There is magic in taking action.  To me, that is a code word for:

       Me Accepting God’s In Charge!

And yet, my thoughts will go to the place of, “I want to do what I’ve been doing, why do I have to keep doing more?”

Well, one thought I’m having is that I have been given this gift of recovery, and it says on page 132 of the Big Book (Alcoholics Anonymous),”…we have been given the power to help others.”  Wow, what a super power that is!  I only get to have this power by continued work on the steps and taking the action as outlined in the Big Book.  This purpose, this amazing life that does not include binging and shame is a treasure that I want to share. Selfishly, I want to give it away so I can keep it.

Oh boy, I better get busy and take the next right step.  It’s so worth it!

Nadine D. - Region 1

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

9/5/2019

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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

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