Before OA, and in the quagmire, I too would say I was happy, but I lied to others and especially to myself. It is a symptom of the dis-ease. Putting on my mask to try and be as normal as I could be was my protection. My way of coping from the pain I was living. Until I was ready to admit that I had a problem, there wasn’t anything anyone could say or do to change my mind. No one was able to convince me of anything, because I knew it all or I thought I did. I was in control.
Now in OA, I know I am powerless over food and my life unmanageable. I knew My HP was only one who could help. BUT it wasn’t until I completely surrendered and gave up the wheel to my HP, did I truly understand. My HP takes away my cravings, keeps me abstinent and guides me to an awareness that helps me in so many ways.
The 12 steps and 12 traditions and tools of recovery are for my own recovery; they are my focus. Anyone else’s issues are theirs and not mine; I am to give no advice; this is what my program teaches. I share my own Experience, Strength and Hope and have compassion for those who are struggling.
-anonymous
©2026 Experience Strength & Hope Newsletter,
All rights reserved. Proudly sponsored by OA Foot Steps VIG #09670.
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.
