As a longtime agnostic, I had a lot of hesitation as I walked into a church basement to attend my first OA meeting. My doubts quickly multiplied when I heard them read the Twelve Steps. I was distressed by the references to God, especially to a male God to whom I was supposed to “turn over my will”. As a feminist, …

Hi. I’m Claire, compulsive overeater (COE), bulimic, restrictor, agnostic freethinker and living with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) (-emotionally unstable personality disorder). ~~When I first came to program I did feel different and marginalized. I was reluctant to disclose my beliefs and neurodiversity due to fear of judgement that I had so often experienced – I don’t need fixing. I would …

Monica is the Chair of the PIPO committee of OA Foot Steps, the Co-Chair of Unity with Diversity at World Services, and a WSBC delegate. Q: What Is the Goal and aspirations of the PIPO unity with Diversity?  A: The mission is to attract & draw in, compulsive eaters to OA, and to attract people from under represented communities in …

“How do you find support with mental health disorders or neurodiversity (bipolar, depression, schizophrenia, anxiety, ADHD, sensory processing disorders, depression, etc…)? How and when have you disclosed your disorder to fellows in OA., and/or how and when have you disclosed that you are a member of OA in a mental health groups? How does it affect your recovery?” I tell …

There is a journey,A sad taleNot many dare know,Of heartache,The suicide of a soul. Forgotten, toss aside,Abandoned,Frightened and alone,Felt only to roam,No place to be,No place to call Home. Reluctantly steppingThrough a digital placeIt is there Soul findsThat resting place.Hope, honesty,These we share,We know Soul,We See you,We care. Hands reach out.Hearts that knowSadness, longing,Soul no longer alone.Keep coming back!Soul, you …

The first thing I ever identified with in the Big Book was the chapter “We Agnostics” (Alcoholics Anonymous, 4th ed., pp. 44–57). I loved everything about it and still do. I love that the title says “We.” I love how the chapter is compassionate and understanding and does not talk down to anyone. When I first read it, I felt …