Archive for year: 2021

During my first couple of years in program, I was only willing to use a few of the tools, so naturally my recovery was quite limited. I attended meetings and wrote on a regular basis, and I also read some literature. I tried to adhere to a reasonable food plan, but still binged in between “bouts” of abstinence. My work with a sponsor was inconsistent and I could count the number of phone calls I made to other program members on one hand. I shied away from tools that involved potentially “bothering” others.

Over time, HP made me willing to start using more of the tools. One that made a huge difference was the telephone. The calls allowed me to get more support for challenges that led me to the food, develop relationships with program members, and keep program more visible in my life. What a gift!

How I wish I had started making calls sooner! I stand exactly zero chance of managing my disease on my own. The “we” aspect of this program works miracles for me. I consider the OA fellowship a glistening silver lining of the dark cloud of our disease. OA has exposed me to people I never would have encountered without my addiction and it has led me to what I hope will be lifelong friends who share a special bond and intimacy that can’t occur with “Earth people.” Thanks to this program, I will never, ever have to face any of life’s challenges on my own again. How fabulous is that??!!

I will be forever grateful for my disease because it brought me to this beautiful fellowship. Sending love to you in recovery…

Annette S.