Food for Thought: November 22nd

Depression

All of us go through times of depression. When we were overeating, we may have felt depressed almost continually. We find that abstinence and the OA program lift us out of depression. The outward circumstances of life may not change radically, but by means of our program we experience more inner joy and contentment and less gloom and despair.

When we do feel depressed, we can take positive action. We can work on a specific step. We can make a phone call. We can offer to help someone else. Focusing our attention on someone or something outside of ourselves is an effective means of combating depression.

Maintaining abstinence does not ensure that we will never again feel depressed. In general, however, our spirits do not sink as low as they did before and they do not stay down as long. As we improve our contact with our Higher Power, we find ourselves less and less despondent. We have new hope, faith, and love - all-powerful antidotes to depression.

Thank You for lifting me out of depression.

From Food for Thought: Daily Meditations for Overeaters by Elisabeth L. ©1980, 1992 by Hazelden Foundation.

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Depression, for me, went hand in hand with compulsive overeating & drinking.  How could I feel good about myself when my behavior was so dysfunctional?? 

Recovery offers healing & comfort............while life is never 'perfect', it is certainly better than it's ever been! When I have down-days, I realize that the uncomfortable feelings WILL pass, and the sadness will not last forever. As a COE, I tend to think in terms of 'never' and 'forever', which is a dangerous thing.  Nothing will lead me to the refrigerator faster than convincing myself I'll NEVER get a grip on myself, or that I will feel badly FOREVER.

Program taught me all I need focus on is life in 24 hour increments.  Program also gave me useful tools to help me reach out & ask for help.  I am not alone, nor do I have to travel this path alone.  I have friends, family, and people who genuinely love me.  I do not have to control the world with fierce independence anymore.  I am part of the network of Humanity, where I belong.  I agree to take my rightful place amongst my fellow-man, and share myself & my journey with all who I can help.  I agree to receive help from them in return.

For today, I am grateful to be where I am today, which is exactly where God has placed me.