Food for Thought: November 18th

No Exit

We have tried many ways of avoiding problems and pain. In addition to food, we may have used alcohol, drugs, sleep, sex, compulsive activity, or excessive daydreaming to try to escape whatever it was that we did not want to encounter. Undoubtedly, we found that nothing worked permanently; the problem or pain remained.

It is the attempt to avoid discomfort that turns fear into panic. Whatever troubles or threatens us becomes more unmanageable when we pretend that it does not exist. Now that we have the OA program and contact with a Power greater than ourselves, we can confront our problems without searching frantically for an exit from reality.

Our pain is what teaches us the things we need to know. By being willing to be broken, we are able to become whole. Through our distress, we are watched over by the One who heals us. We need no exit.

Thank You for the faith that overcomes panic.

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

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I've used many ways of avoiding problems & pain, all to no avail. I've used food, alcohol, sleep, compulsive activity & excessive daydreaming over the past 40-some years. Let's not forget cigarettes too. I find that when I'm 'using', the panic wells up in me even MORE so..........I wake up in the morning feeling panic-stricken and not knowing which way to turn.  The answer becomes clear.......I need to turn to God and surrender MY ineffective ways over to Him.  God has a plan for me, so who am I to try & divert that plan? My way never works. Period.

 

My pain teaches me things I need to know. By being willing to be broken, I am able to become whole. I know that God is watching over me, healing me with every attempt I make to recover.  I am not alone & there is no need to panic.

 

For today, I am willing to face what lies before me, with grace, acceptance, and my Higher Power by my side.  No amount of addictive behavior will 'help' me deal with my life.

 

For today, I accept my role as an adult & an addict. I agree to keep myself in Recovery status for the next 24 hours.

 

  God grant me the serenity
To accept the things I cannot change;
Courage to change the things I can;
And wisdom to know the difference.

Living one day at a time;
Enjoying one moment at a time;
Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace;
Taking, as He did, this sinful world
As it is, not as I would have it;
Trusting that He will make all things right
If I surrender to His Will;
So that I may be reasonably happy in this life
And supremely happy with Him
Forever and ever in the next.

Amen