From OA's Tools of Recovery
Sometimes I forget to use the tools I have been given. Sometimes I try to do this alone. But I have all of these tools at my disposal. I feel like it is time for me to spend a little while concentrating on these tools.
A plan of eating--My plan of eating revolves around using SparkPeople to set healthy goals for my daily food intake. When I am staying on program I track my food daily, in fact I try to track it as quickly as possible just before or after a meal. One of the first signs for me that I am slipping is that I "forget" to track my food. Also, eliminating trigger foods has been key and when I decide to add those foods back in is when I start slipping. For me trigger foods include, chocolate, most cookies (I seem to do okay with oatmeal), potato chips, most fried foods, white flours, and white sugars. Some people may look at that list and think "Why bother eating?" but I have discovered that if I avoid those foods I don't crave them anyway.
Sponsorship--I have a fantastic sponsor who has been in the program for many years. I am terrible about taking the time to actually talk with her. I have been using email faithfully but still forget sometimes. It is time for me to take the time learn from her experiences and her insights so I can move forward.
Meetings--Life has been so out of control busy lately that I have missed several meetings and I hate that. My personal goal is to make at least 11 out of the next 12 meetings.
Telephone--I have the numbers of some of the most amazing and supportive people and I don't use them. My goal is to use one of those numbers each week just to touch base.
Writing---I need to work harder on blogging. Taking the time to come here and get my feelings out. Like now, I was wanting to eat for no reason and decided to write instead.
Literature--I want to set aside 20 minutes each day to read. Whether it is a meditation that I read or a chapter in a book it doesn't matter.
Anonymity--the foundation for the group and our ability to be open about the issues that plague each of us. I am very grateful for a place where I can do that.
Service--I haven't had the opportunity to do much for the group but I hope that day comes soon.
For now, I have my twins' 6th birthday party to get prepared for. It is tomorrow afternoon and the house is in need of an overhaul.
In working Overeaters Anonymous’ Twelve-Step program of recovery from compulsive overeating, we have found that a number of tools are available to assist us. We use these tools—a plan of eating, sponsorship, meetings, the telephone, writing, literature, anonymity and service—on a regular basis, to help us achieve and maintain abstinence and recover from our disease.
Sometimes I forget to use the tools I have been given. Sometimes I try to do this alone. But I have all of these tools at my disposal. I feel like it is time for me to spend a little while concentrating on these tools.
A plan of eating--My plan of eating revolves around using SparkPeople to set healthy goals for my daily food intake. When I am staying on program I track my food daily, in fact I try to track it as quickly as possible just before or after a meal. One of the first signs for me that I am slipping is that I "forget" to track my food. Also, eliminating trigger foods has been key and when I decide to add those foods back in is when I start slipping. For me trigger foods include, chocolate, most cookies (I seem to do okay with oatmeal), potato chips, most fried foods, white flours, and white sugars. Some people may look at that list and think "Why bother eating?" but I have discovered that if I avoid those foods I don't crave them anyway.
Sponsorship--I have a fantastic sponsor who has been in the program for many years. I am terrible about taking the time to actually talk with her. I have been using email faithfully but still forget sometimes. It is time for me to take the time learn from her experiences and her insights so I can move forward.
Meetings--Life has been so out of control busy lately that I have missed several meetings and I hate that. My personal goal is to make at least 11 out of the next 12 meetings.
Telephone--I have the numbers of some of the most amazing and supportive people and I don't use them. My goal is to use one of those numbers each week just to touch base.
Writing---I need to work harder on blogging. Taking the time to come here and get my feelings out. Like now, I was wanting to eat for no reason and decided to write instead.
Literature--I want to set aside 20 minutes each day to read. Whether it is a meditation that I read or a chapter in a book it doesn't matter.
Anonymity--the foundation for the group and our ability to be open about the issues that plague each of us. I am very grateful for a place where I can do that.
Service--I haven't had the opportunity to do much for the group but I hope that day comes soon.
For now, I have my twins' 6th birthday party to get prepared for. It is tomorrow afternoon and the house is in need of an overhaul.
