Food for Thought: December 13th

Accepting Emptiness

There will always be times when we feel empty physically empty, emotionally empty, and spiritually empty. Before we found our Higher Power, these periods of emptiness terrified us, and we had to try to fill ourselves up with something, whether it was food, noise, other people, work, or something else.

We probably still do not like to feel empty, and yet, through the OA program, we are learning that emptiness can be a good thing. When we are empty of the refined sugars and carbohydrates, which poisoned us, we are full of energy. When we are empty of anger and resentment, we have room for positive feelings of love, joy, and peace. When we are empty of pride and egotism, God can fill us with His power.

Our Higher Power is not ours to command. There is no way that we can receive instant consolation and gratification. By accepting our periods of emptiness, however, we open ourselves to growth and to the spirit that fills us according to His purposes.

May I be empty of self so that I may be filled with You.

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

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As addicts, it's difficult to just sit there and BE; without doing anything, without fixing anything, without running around.  To sit THROUGH a feeling can be tough.  We expect instant gratification, and to never feel uncomfortable.  Part of our recovery hinges on allowing the discomfort to happen...........and not to eat our way through it.

Emptiness is a part of life for everyone.  When we try to fill that emotional void with food, there isn't enough on earth to actually DO that.........so we never feel full, and the binges get bigger and bigger.  And still we go for MORE.

When we agree to maintain abstinence, we eat to fill a physical need, not an emotional one.  We learn to satisfy our basic nutritional needs and to stop using food for comfort or entertainment.

For today, I repeat the 3rd Step prayer:

God, I offer myself to Thee
To build with me and to do with me as Thou wilt.
Relieve me of the bondage of self that I may better do Thy will.
Take away my difficulties that victory over them may bear witness
To those I would help of Thy power;
Thy love;
And Thy way of life.
May I do Thy will always.