What a great topic! It’s critical that I learn to let self-love be my default setting. If I hold love in my heart, I see it in others. Love reflects love. I can know how important self-love is for me in OA. But it’s quite another thing to feel it. I don’t think, after 50 years of being in program, I have ever seen a passage in our literature that states the importance of “self-love”.
Self-love is an action. It shows up first in my attitude. If my attitude is poor, my level of self-love with suffer. I must decide to be happy and accept where I am right now, or I can dwell on my past and character defects and stay stuck in that old energy. The rabbit hole of my beloved brain kicking in and over thinking things.
The best thing I can do is stay grateful, surrendered and have a humble heart. (Surrendered is a totally different mindset then giving up) So, no more harsh judgmental thoughts for myself. Treat myself like I am the best friend I ever had. With a tiny, sweet velvet hammer.
The choices and decisions I make is my free will and it is a sacred choice and a gift from my Creator. The tools I have are all about action and patience. Otherwise, it is just nice idea and lip service.
There is a great set of tools in this program and gives me an opportunity to stay in action. I stay open to the idea that there is a fabulous plan for my life, and I will be guided by my Creator. (and really, always have been) I can know about my Creators Love for me and believe in a Creator, but have I really trusted It? It’s time for me to “lean in” to my Creator. Surrender is really turning it over to power much bigger than I. And at the same time, remember that that Divine love is deep within my heart, I feel the connection when I finally stop everything, stay in the moment, get a little quiet, touch my heart and smile.
Life’s in session as they say and the last few days have been stressful and busy. Now is the time for me to surrender everything and stay grateful. But how? (I wrote a lot and cried)
On my own, I am unable to do anything or know anything and it is very limited, and I end up struggling. Creator’s way is always better than mine, by miles and miles!!! So, I must let go in trying to do it my way or try to help. That is the old me trying to fix me or even maybe others, (lol) . There is no fixing me, that’s Creators job, if fixing needs to be done. Not my job! I just do the footwork. I may have to dig the trench, but my Creator builds the forms and pours the concrete, even puts on a perfectly level satin finish.
Sometimes I think controlling things will work—no, that is my way again. I must surrender and let go of everything that shows up in my life. The good stuff and not so good stuff. And to please, limit the drama whenever possible. ☺
When I select to use my tools and work these steps, it will keep me in the trajectory of recovery and it allows for transformation in my whole life, not just with body/food. The promises of this program are real, and I see and feel the demonstration of what I might call, self-love. When I stay in surrender and in gratitude, more is always revealed and recognized as I grow. This is a highly spiritual program, and I need to be an instrument and channel of Creators love and light. We need each other and our Creator needs us too. Keeping it simple, “your will, not mine, so grateful” that prayer keeps me open at the top and expanding the love in my heart in every direction to everyone. <3 to <3.
Submitted: Lindee
©2024 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.
