Food for Thought: September 2nd

Stop Overeating, Start Living

Physical abstinence is just the beginning of the new life OA offers to us. When our Higher Power controls our life, we become free of the mental obsession with food. Then we are able to get down to the business of living, which we avoided with our illness.

Rather than reaching out with both hands to grab and hold on to all we can get, we begin to think in terms of giving and serving. We may start by sharing what OA has done for us with newcomers to the program. It is the newcomer who is our reminder of who we were and where we came from.

We find that though we can never eat spontaneously, we can live much more spontaneously than before. Because we feel less guilt and fear, we can experience the joy of acting from the center of our being. Knowing that our Higher Power is in control, we have trust and faith that the results of our actions will be okay. Each day becomes less of a trial and more of an opportunity.

Today, may I experience the spontaneity that comes with Your control.

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

My Certified Health Coach Website

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When I was ruling the world............food came first.  When I was the center of the universe..........my ego ruled me & instructed me to eat & drink what I wanted, when I wanted to.  Didn't I deserve to, after all?

Abstinence is a new way of thinking AND a new way of doing. OA teaches me that I am NOT the center of the universe, nor am I in charge of running the world.  God is in charge, and I am merely His servant.  As time goes on and I'm not eating junk food, the new habits become the norm.  There is no 'spontaneity' with my food intake, thank God, because all that 'spontaneity' led to obesity and a host of health issues.  I am now able to treat my LIFE with spontaneity, precisely BECAUSE my food intake is structured and measured.  Food is no longer running my life, God is running my life, and things are way calmer and happier in general. 

When I live to serve myself, I live in poverty.  When I live to serve others & to serve God, I live in abundance & wealthy.  Material things do not provide me with the inner peace I seek.........only an abstinent lifestyle can do that!

For today, I will stay true to my Food Plan and enjoy my life, without the burden of obsession weighing me down.