900 Days!

I have spent the last 900 days working really hard to change my life.

Those changes include improving my mental, emotional and spiritual health. Part of that journey included an over 110 pounds weight loss & working on how I deal with my life on a daily basis instead of turning to food for comfort. I have spent the last 900 days making better choices, some of those choices were really hard, but in the end always worth it. I have spent the last 900 days living instead of just existing or even worse waiting to die. My husband is no longer a party one.

Oh sure, being a disabled person I still have days that I’m just not physically up to things, but for the most part I actually participate in my life now. I spent the better part of the last 10 years feeling helpless, hopeless and deeply clinically depressed barely leaving my bed which I felt was a safe haven but in reality it was a personal prison. But, with the help of Overeaters Anonymous and my family’s support and love, one day at a time, things have improved. It’s been slow, but I’m okay with that today. Working the steps has taught me that recovery is a process, that doesn’t happen overnight, and that also is okay.

I still have a ways to go as far as weight loss is concerned, but I’m okay with that too. Because it’s happening. And I feel like there’s a lesson for me to learn about patience and perseverance. I’m also learning that it’s okay to make mistakes as long as I keep trying my best, but it’s just not okay to give up.OA has taught me that it’s about progress and not perfection. Not just with recovering from an eating disorder, but with life in general.

The past 900 days I have done things I didn’t think I could ever do. Last month I spent over a week at an OA leadership conference where I got to meet these amazing people in person that I had only met virtually but had been a part of my daily life for the past two and half years. I can say without a shadow of a doubt, that OA has completely saved my life. I’ve met the most amazing people and I’ve learned how to live life on life’s terms, not my terms which has been such an important lesson. I’ve also been able to help others. Which has been such a gift.

I am so full of gratitude for every person that is in my life inside and outside of program. I have learned so many important lessons from just about everyone I come in contact with in one way or another. My family has been instrumental in my recovery especially my husband. There’s not a single thing he wouldn’t do for me. He’s gone along on this journey with me every second of these 900 days. I have lost quite a bit of weight, but what I have gained in return over the past two and half years is immeasurable.

Like I mentioned before, I still have a long way to go… But it doesn’t matter because I know I will get there. Whatever “there” that looks like, I’ve learned is actually none of my business. That’s up to God or the universe or mother Earth or my body… But it’s not up to me… I’m so thankful about that. I can’t wait to see what the next 900 days has in store for me. Whatever it is, I’m here for it, because I’m awake and alive and happier than I have been in forever. What an amazing 900 days it has been. Thank you OA for saving my life.

I love you all!

-Submitted by Renee

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