How amazing! I just found this site yesterday and have been going through and trying to read all the different threads. And this one really caught my eye because I have a lot to be thankful for because of this program. I've been struggeling with my weight pretty much as long as I can remember and have always used food (either by iteself or in combination with other substances) in order to numb myself...I just didn't want to feel anything.
What spoke to me right away when I first entered through the doors of my first OA meeting was how different everyone was, yet we were all bonded by one common aspect - food.
I love what it says in the Big Book in the chapter "There is a Solution" (2
pr, 4th line) "We are people who normally would not mix. But there exists among us a fellowship, a friendliness, and an understanding which is indescribably wonderful."
OA loved me when I couldn't love myself. OA showed me what happiness layed ahead for me, what gifts I would receive and what peace and clarity was possible by just surrendering my will.
Today, when I walk into a meeting, nothing matters. The traffice on the car ride over, the hellish day at work, the chaos I will walk into at home after the meeting or my abstinence (pride/ego, because I don't know any more than anyone else there). At that moment in time I am just a compulsive overeater, just like everone else there. And I am always an arms length away from my next bite. I have to do my spiritual "push-ups" in order be willing, just for today, to not eat compulsively.
Thank you for all the wonderful sharing