Eating Disorders - OA JULY 2014

[MajestyJo]

Tuesday, July 29, 2014

You are reading from the book Food for Thought

Always Abstinence

As recovering compulsive overeaters, we have a fixed focal point of reference. Abstinence is the most important thing in our lives without exception.

What began, as weakness has become strength. Whatever happens to us, we know that by maintaining abstinence we will be able to cope. As long as abstinence controls our self-destructive inner enemy, we are able to function effectively.

This does not mean that we will be free from problems. Abstaining does not get rid of all of our difficulties. There will be times when we are depressed, anxious, afraid, angry, bored, and in pain. To be alive is to be subject to these negative emotions, as well as the positive ones, which we enjoy.

By abstaining, we are able to face reality instead of escaping into a worse predicament. No matter how difficult the day, it has been a good one for the compulsive overeater who has abstained.

I pray for abstinence always.

Abstinence for me meant two things, "Learning to say 'No,' not only to myself, others, and food" and changing my attitude ftom, "Don't tell me what to do."

A women in a Fibromyalgia study with me, invited me to her place to taste her home made wine. She was quite offended. She said, "A little glass of wine won't hurt you." I was about 8 months sober. Her little glass of wine could have put me back on the vicious cycle of more, with alcohol, pills and food. They all went together hand in hand.