[Artemis__]

I'm unable to get to F2F meetings currently, however at the end of this month I will be able to attend hopefully two times a month. I know this is not ideal but it's the best I can manage, I'm in England and there just aren't many meetings in my area.
I am currently attending two meetings a day online, and they help a lot.

I am confused about working the steps before I find a sponsor. Some information seems to suggest that we can't begin to work the steps until we have a sponsor.
I'm already working on Step One and when I do find a sponsor I'm happy to work it again.
I'd like to know how the OA'ers here would handle this situation, and is the general opinion that I should wait to find a sponsor and then work the steps?

[marny]

Hey there-

The advantage to working steps with a sponsor is that they know more than we do-- they can guide us, ask us questions, and give us perspective.

However, it is not necessary to wait for a sponsor before you begin to work the steps. As a matter of fact, there is no mention of sponsorship in the Big Book.

So, I highly recommend that you get a copy of the Workbook that goes along with the 12 steps. As you answer the questions in it, attempt to be as honest as you can. Then, when you do get a sponsor, you can go over the work that you've done with her.

That's great that you'll be able to get to 2 meetings a month-- and doing two online meetings shows tremendous commitment.

[Artemis__]

Marny, thank you.
You're so insipirational by the way!

Your reply makes perfect sense to me. If I waited to get a sponsor, I'd just be putting off my recovery, so I will work to the best of my ability without one until I find one.

I've ordered 12 + 12 and a book entitled 'Overeaters Anonymous'. It has a mountain scene on the cover. The books should arrive tomorrow. Amazon UK didnt have the workbook. I will look out for it and hopefully pick it up when I get to a F2F meeting.

Thanks again!

[marny]

Artemis-

Alright! You've got 2 amazing books on the way. The 12 &12 explains our disease, how the steps work, and how the program works. The book Overeaters Anonymous has personal stories of recovery and more explanation about the disease.

You are on your way.

Something to do while waiting for the books...
1) Write out your food history
2) Make a 3 column chart. The first column title green, the second title yellow, and the third title red. List all foods that cause you to want to overeat in the red column. List all foods that you know you can eat safely without wanting to eat more in the green column. List all foods that you aren't sure about in the yellow column.