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

​​“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