I thank my higher power every day for my daily 10th-Step practice. Even when I am not abstinent, the structure of the 10th Step inventory prompts me to reflect on my day and be accountable for my food, exercise, resentments, amends and gratitude.
One of the first things I learned about when entering OA more than a decade ago was the power of the 10th Step inventory. One of my fellows explained that she journaled each night using the AEIOU formula: A for abstinence; E for exercise; I for the things I did that day for self-care; O for service to others; U for feelings uncovered. Over time, I have also been able to use my journal to do a daily run through of Steps 4 through 9 to address resentments and acknowledge the need for amendments. And
lastly, I write at least three gratitude each day.
As I continued to write a nightly 10th Step, I began to recognize patterns, where abstinence and regular, but gentle exercise helped calm me. Awareness of my feelings helped me change behaviors. I learned to
not be so rash and reactive. I learned to work through my resentments and began to understand my part in them. I came to understand how I may be hurting or neglecting my loved ones. This practice was one that, by the grace of my HP, I have been able to turn to and continue throughout my life in program.
My food may not be perfect, but with my HP’s guidance, I can be aware of my behaviors and how I react to circumstances in my life. I can reflect on my good fortune, which is often perfectly simple: all the love in my life, my community, the roof over my head, my health and that of the people I love, security in my relationships and of course my OA program. The result of practicing a 10th Step inventory over these many years has been self-growth I never imagined would be possible.
-Anonymous
OCT 2024 Digital version at Volume 39, Issue 10 –www.triangleoa.org
Did you enjoy this article? We would encourage our members to use this post, and others like it, at their meetings, or for private reflection. We also encourage you to share this post to other fellows to help the compulsive eater who still suffers. Please let us know if you have an idea for an article or an upcoming theme, or have any questions or suggestions. Email our editorial staff at [email protected].
The experience, strength, and hope expressed in this article, reflect the individual OA members and does not represent OA as a whole. Other OA groups and service bodies are welcome to reprint articles from Experience, Strength & Hope Newsletter without permission. When reprinting from other OA newsletters, be sure to credit the source.
