Tradition 7: Every OA group ought to be fully self-supporting, declining outside contributions.
Spiritual Principle: Responsibility
For most of my life, I could never save a plug nickle. Anytime something came up that needed money, I would say, “No, I can’t afford that!”.
Did I have money to buy the food I wanted? Sure did. I robbed Peter to save Paul to get what I wanted when I wanted. It soon caught up to me where I had to file for bankruptcy. Did any of my money go to the upkeep of my home? Nope. My life was in shambles. I was not only powerless over food, but my whole life was unmanageable.
When I finally conceded to my innermost self that I was a true compulsive eater, things changed.
I remember 3 months abstinent and my uncle had passed away. I had promised him that Id sing at his funeral. I didn’t know how I was going to afford to make the trip. While on the phone talking with my sponsor, I told her of the news. I just had the words out of my mouth, “I can’t afford to go”, when I immediately heard in my head and heart… “no, that’s a lie, you do have the money”. I had money I had saved for my dentures, that would not be needed until 7 months. I can trust and take the next best step.”
Immediately I said to my sponsor, “no, that’s a lie, I do have the money, I need to go pack.”, and in 2 hours I was on a bus headed to a neighbouring province 24 hours away.
My HP had shown me that being on a low income that I could make extra cash at a flea market and save money. My teeth had rotted out of my head since being a slave to my disease for 57 years and in being afraid of dentists and the pain, I had stayed away too long, I knew I needed to take care of my health. I was to get my teeth out in the fall, then get dentures. I had to trust that I would find a way to make up the money once I got home.
Well, while away, I heard that the flea market that I rented a table at in the past, closed down. Fear showed its ugly head. I looked at my defects, knew my crazy head wouldn’t help me and I asked my HP for the next best step.
I went to a fall retreat and had shared about my journey in how I would be able to smile in confidence. A member spoke after my share offering me the money for my dental. I declined. It scared me to borrow any money; how would I pay it back? Through that fear I did push through; I wanted to be self supporting.
I am a baker by trade, Christmas was coming, I will sell my wares. I used to try this method, but I never made much because I ate it all, but now abstinent, I knew I could do this.
I baked and baked and as I looked at the volume I made, fear set in. “What if this doesn’t sell?? You never sold it before!!” My crazy head was filling in doubt. OK Melanie, what is my next best move? I placed an ad on social media and things started to move. Everything sold except for one thing of which I gave as a present to my mother in law.
I had enough for my dentures and then some.
I learned to take responsibility, be self supporting, and find a way to make extra money for things needed. I even have a prudent reserve now in my personal life.
I not only practice my 7th tradition… responsibilty in my OA group, but I practice it in my own life too.
-anonymous
©2026 Experience Strength & Hope Newsletter,
All rights reserved. Proudly sponsored by OA Foot Steps VIG #09670.
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