Diary of a Food-FighterOA
Sponsors Are NOT Your Higher Power
One of the most difficult lessons for those new to 12 Step programs to learn is the fact that, sooner or later, their sponsors will let them down. Why? Two reasons: newcomers tend to put their sponsors on pedestals, and sponsors are only human. But rather than seeing this as a limitation, try to look at it as …
What is an “old-timer?”
When you hear someone being called “an old-timer,” it is not an insult about their age. It is actually a term of endearment for someone who has been sober/abstinent AND active in 12-Step programs for many years – – usually 20 or more. They are the true inspirations of the program.
The Difference Between “Agnostic” & “Atheist”
Within the confines of 12-Step programs, an “agnostic” is someone who believes that you cannot prove the existence of God, and an “atheist” is someone who believes that you can prove that God does NOT exist. This is a subtle yet important difference that I could not understand until I heard it explained in this simple way. …
“Step 0″ = Courage
Before you even begin to think about “doing” the 12 Steps, I think it is important to acknowledge how difficult it is for newcomers to make that vital first “pre-step” to attend their first meeting. Few other things in life require as much courage as the decision to take-on your inner demons. And the way I see it, there are at least …
The Difference Between “Abstinence ” & “Sobriety”
For recovering alcoholics, “sobriety” is that period of time when they have not had a single drop of alcohol. “Abstinence” for food addicts is similar, yet much more difficult to define. Theoretically, it is that period of time when they have eaten only the items and the amounts that are allowed on their food plans. …
