Recovery Meditations: April 22nd

COMPULSIONS

“Compulsive urges to overeat, gorge or purge
are inadequate coping mechanisms.
Compulsion is loss of control
and continuation of the behavior
despite the consequences.”
Gloria Arenson


Compulsive overeating is not a moral dilemma. It is not about “right” or “wrong.” It is not a black-and-white situation. I learned at a pre-verbal stage that compulsive overeating is a coping mechanism. When I cried to be held, I was fed. When I cried because I was wet, I was fed. When I cried because I was in pain, I was fed. When life was good, I was fed. Is it any wonder I came to reach for food when life was happening around me?

This program teaches me better ways to cope with life. Instead of reacting to life, I have learned through the Steps how to take action. I did not choose this disease, but I do choose recovery. Through the help of my Higher Power, the program, and other program members I can recover. I can live in the solution one day at a time and one meal at a time.

One Day at a Time . . .
I will have a program. I choose recovery, health, love and life.

~ Sarah H.

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We are not 'bad' people trying to get 'good', we are sick people trying to get well. Eating too much food is a form of self punishment..........a way to cope with stress.........a way to escape what's happening & 'hide out' someplace else.

We were taught from birth to reach for food when we felt discomfort, as this reading says. My own mother fed me until I threw up and then she'd feed me again.  I was thoroughly trained to overeat and to enjoy the feeling of an overstuffed stomach. That was my 'norm' as a child & I carried it with me into adulthood.

Nowadays, I've learned a few coping techniques that are more useful than overeating.  Through the help of God, my program friends, and my Food Plan, I am able to choose the healing light of recovery instead of the black pit of addiction.

For today, I will take action towards reaching my goals. For today, I will have a program intact, and I will choose recovery, health, love & life!