RonH 2013_09_08
When Ron replaced his other addictions with food, he had NO IDEA that eating compulsively was a disease. He thought nothing of the fact that he was overeating. Doesn’t everyone do that?
He discovered OA through a friend from another 12 step program. When he found that the program did, indeed, work and that he was still losing weight without exercising, he was surprised. He then began to exercise, not to lose weight, but for his health. The combination of doing what his sponsor told him to do, i.e. calling his food in daily (even though his food choices never changed), working the steps, making amends, and being of service, he has been able to remain abstinent for eleven years. He still prays and meditates daily and is now able to handle difficult situations by putting time between his actions and his reactions.
Ron said he has had a spiritual awakening, not a spiritual experience. He wakes up in the morning with no fear, is a positive thinker, and is working the steps for the 3rd or 4th time. Learning to surrender is one of the best things he has gotten from this program. He said “As long as I surrender and follow direction with my sponsor, life’s going to stay good.”