From Selfish Compulsive Eater to Compassionate Sponsor:
My Journey of Spiritual Fitness and Connection
I’m a recovered compulsive eater, but let’s be clear—I’m not “cured”. Recovery isn’t a one-time event for me; it’s a daily practice, just like hitting the gym to stay in shape. My spiritual fitness requires regular workouts too, which means living by the maintenance steps (Steps 10-12) every single day.
The Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous sums it up perfectly: “Helping others is the foundation stone of recovery. A kindly act occasionally isn’t enough. We must act the Good Samaritan every day, if need be” (AA, p. 97).
But let’s be real, I’m no perfect Good Samaritan. There are days when my behavior is far from the ideal I aim for. I’m powerless over certain behaviors, but hey, it’s all a work in progress, right? Sponsoring others helps not just them, but me too. It’s my way of staying mentally and spiritually fit, pulling me out of my own head (and trust me, I can be *full* of myself sometimes).
The greatest gift? Watching people recover. The Big Book describes it as, “Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends—this is an experience you must not miss” (AA, p. 89).
Honestly, it’s impossible not to get emotional. I’ve teared up from joy seeing someone be kind to themselves for the first time, or have an epiphany they never expected. For me, the key to recovery was stopping the cycle of self-hatred and harmful behaviors like compulsive eating or other addictions. This is often the breakthrough for many of my sponsees too. Seeing them bloom and reclaim their lives is not just a privilege, but a profound gift.
In helping others recover, they become more useful to those around them. And it’s true what they say: my sponsees help me just as much as I help them. It’s a beautiful connection that ties us all together. No matter where someone comes from, what their background is, or what they do, I see a bit of myself in them. We are all more alike than different, and that’s the oneness that connects us all.
In the end, recovery is about so much more than just overcoming an addiction—it’s about building connections, both with others and with myself. It’s about realizing that I’m not alone in my struggles and that healing is a shared experience. Sponsoring others, being part of a fellowship, and working on my spiritual fitness daily isn’t just a responsibility; it’s a joy, a privilege, and the very thing that keeps me grounded. The journey never ends, and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. Each day offers a new opportunity to grow, to give, and to connect—because in helping others, I continue to heal myself.
– Val B
©2024 Experience Strength & Hope Newsletter,
All rights reserved. Proudly sponsored by OA Foot Steps VIG #09670.
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