Return From the Overeaters Anonymous Wilderness

Last summer I wrote a post about being lost in the Overeaters Anonymous wilderness, filled with discontent and a fair amount of self-righteousness. I have no regrets. We all need to step back from time to time and reevaluate pieces of our lives. Now that I’ve done that, I’ve decided to return from the wilderness.

Mood music:

[spotify:track:4K2Tu79vpqrLNyDVtCvBNR]

I’ve made peace with what I see as the program’s imperfections, and I’ve gained the wisdom to understand that it’s not about the egos who show up and periodically annoy me (as I’m sure I’ve annoyed others). It’s not all about simply abstaining from binging, either, though controlling the food is certainly of vital importance.

The biggest reason I’ve returned is that I need the 12 steps of recovery to help me keep my head screwed on properly. A couple of weeks ago, I got a new sponsor. Yesterday, I attended my first OA meeting in a long time.

Related content: Resources for those with eating disorders

I’ve mostly stuck with the food plan a previous sponsor helped me carve out when I first decided to tackle this monster in 2008, but it’s becoming clear that the plan needs some major adjustments. To fix that, I’m going to see a nutritionist.

In recent weeks I’ve felt adrift, more inclined to enter a stupor over things I can’t control. I forgot that I have to put my trust in God.

Break time is over.

Overeaters Anonymous Medallions

2 Replies to “Return From the Overeaters Anonymous Wilderness”

  1. Hi Bill

    I’ve read several of your posts about binge eating an OA, and I was wondering where you’re at with that now. Are you still doing the program? Would you recommend it to others? I struggle with binge eating myself and I’m trying to look for a place to find help. Thanks.

    1. Alas, I stopped doing the program a couple years ago. I’m working on a post about why that is. That said, I think it is a great program for a lot of people and it’s definitely worth trying.

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