For Today: November 25th

All who joy would win

Must share it.  Happiness was born a twin.

Lord Byron

From my first day of abstinence, I discovered the truth of the saying, “I can’t keep what I have unless I give it away.”  What joy there is in telling an OA newcomer or friend or sponsor of the miracles that have come about in my life thanks to OA.  I never get tired of sharing “what I was like, what happened and what I’m like now.”  Even when I have something troubling me that I intend to discuss, I am aware of the gratitude in my heart and I want to express it.  Remembering the joy this program has brought me is enough to lift my spirits; sharing that with someone brings the joy back to me.

For Today:  Here’s a good OA pick-me-up:  Call some OAs, including at least one newcomer and one person I have never called before; give them a nutshell version of why I am so thankful to be in OA, and then tell all of them how glad I am to have them as fellow members.

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I find this to be 100% true........I can't keep what I have unless I give it away.

When I tell my story.....what I was like then, and what I'm like now.............I offer Hope to those who find it impossible to believe that OA could bring about such changes to their lives.  Newcomers are generally skeptical, and so are those who have been in program for quite awhile, but who have lost their way.

When the siren song of excess food calls our name, it can be quite easy to forget WHY we are here in OA.  When the excess food wins out, and we're back on the treadmill of compulsive overeating, it's easy to lose our way entirely & go back to the slavery of excess.

Speaking about OA and telling my story lets others know that recovery IS possible, no matter how deeply they may be mired in compulsive overeating right now.

If I can do this, anyone can do this.  

If a wretch like me can see the light, embrace it & follow it, everyone can!  OA & the 12 Steps provide a blueprint for sanity and living a well-balanced life in general.

In speaking with fellow OAers, especially those who are struggling, I can remember what it feels like to be hopeless myself.  It brings back memories of my own personal struggles (and there have been many) and reminds me how I do not want to go back down that road again.

For today, I will share myself with others............I will tell my story to someone who needs to hear it.........not to 'brag', but to offer hope, encouragement and opportunity. 

All we need is the desire to stop eating compulsively to be an OAer.  And, one day at a time, a whole new life opens up to us.