Food for Thought: July 11th

Goals and Ends

Most of us came into this program with a specific weight goal in mind. We thought that if only we could weigh an ideal number of pounds, all of our other troubles would miraculously vanish.

When we reach goal weight, we discover that we still have to live with ourselves and deal with our problems. If we have been developing a strong program as we have been losing weight, we have a basis on which to work for further emotional and spiritual growth.

Our emotional and spiritual goals are not static. Since we never achieve perfection, there is always opportunity for further progress. The beauty of the OA program is that it is a program for life; its possibilities are limitless. To know and do the will of our Higher Power is our ultimate goal as well as our immediate one.

May I remember that You are my goal today and always.

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

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Reaching goal weight does not change who we are on the inside. If we didn't work on our issues along the way, then the weight loss is likely a temporary thing. Our sub-conscious minds lead us back to obesity because that's been our comfort zone for such a long time.

There really is no 'goal' in OA, not from a weight perspective. When we work the 12 steps, we are constantly improving our spiritual condition, realizing we are works in progress for LIFE, one day at a time.

For today, I realize that my obesity had nothing to do with my food consumption.  My food consumption was excessive because I was trying to fill a spiritual void inside of me.  For today, I will work on improving my insides, and my outsides will take care of itself.